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Commentary on "From Exalted to Cast Down"

COLLEEN TINKER

 

Day 1: Sabbath Afternoon, April 2, 2011 - Introduction

 

Overview

Today's lesson introduces Lucifer as the week's focal point. The memory verse, Ezekiel 28:15, describes Tyre, the subject of the Ezekiel passage: "Thou wast perfect in they ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee."

The day's lesson makes the point that Lucifer was created perfect, yet he was able to sin. Even in heaven was the potential for iniquity. This point leads the author to conclude that "in God's universe, the concept of "perfect" includes freedom, moral freedom, the ability to choose right and wrong." Thus, Lucifer is an exalted and perfect being who was able to abuse his freedom and fall from the Lord. The reader is asked what he can learn from Lucifer's mistake.

 

Observations

First, the Ezekiel passage is addressing the king of Tyre, a wicked king whom God disciplined. Many people believe that there is a secondary description in this passage of Lucifer's fall. In context, however, it is clear that the primary meaning of the text is the king of Tyre; it is preceded by a lament for Tyre and is followed by a prophecy against Sidon. The context is God's judgment against pagan nations.

Second, the lesson takes the "story" of Lucifer far beyond what the Bible ever says about him. Because of Ellen White's extra-biblical liberties, Adventism has a highly-developed idea about Lucifer, his supposed behaviors in heaven, his position and jealousy and conversations and methods of deceiving his fellow angels. None of these details is in the Bible.

Perhaps the most alarming point made in this day's commentary is that in God's universe "the concept of "perfect" includes freedom, moral freedom, the ability to choose right and wrong. How could it not and humans still be moral and free?"

The Bible tells us how "free" we are as natural humans. Ephesians 2:1-3 says we all were dead in our sins and transgressions. We were "by nature children of wrath" (v. 3). John 3:18 says those who believe will not be judged or condemned, but those who do not believe are judged already. Colossians 1:13 states that we are naturally citizens of the "domain of darkness".

Dead people are not free; children of wrath are doomed; we are not born with a "free will" to choose God or to choose evil. We are born spiritually dead and must have God Himself intervene to give us the ability to believe. Ephesians 2 continues by explaining that because of His great mercy, God made us alive in Christ Jesus while we were dead in our sins.

In other words, He didn't wait for us to "clean up"; He made us spiritually alive while we were in our sins and seated us with Christ in heavenly places. By grace we are saved through faith, and that is not of ourselves; it is the gift of God so no one can boast (Eph. 2:8-9).

We cannot compare ourselves to Lucifer; he was created a perfect angel. We, while we are in the image of God, are born spiritually dead because of our legacy from Adam (Rom 5:18; 1 Cor 15:22). We are not capable of choosing to follow Jesus on our own while we are dead in sin. God has to give us faith; He has to intervene before we can choose to follow Jesus.

We are asked to believe; we must say "Yes" to the Lord Jesus, but this response on our part is the consequence of His seeking us.

Finally, God never tells us the story of Lucifer. We only have a few glimpses into his activity, and he is never blamed for our sin. Jesus came to help us, not angels (Heb. 2:16). We do not learn the gospel or details we need to know for our salvation by studying Lucifer or Satan.

 

Summary

  1. Ezekiel 28 is primarily discussing the king of Tyre. The application of the passage to Lucifer is a secondary interpretation.
  2. The idea that God most values the concept of "free will" is not biblical. Fallen man is born dead in sin; we are naturally children of wrath.
  3. Dead people cannot choose to follow God. He must intervene and give us the ability to believe. He gives us the gift of faith.
  4. We do not learn what we need to know about salvation or the details of how to live by studying Lucifer.
  5. The Bible does not tell us Lucifer's "story"; it merely gives occasional glimpses into his activities. The details Adventists "know" about him come from Ellen White, not the Bible.

 

GO TO DAY 2

 

Copyright 2011 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised March 29, 2011. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.

The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.

 

Official Adventist Resources

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