Is Lucifer another name for the Devil or Satan?
Introduction. The term "Lucifer" (light-bearer, day star) is only found in Isaiah 14:12. Most people believe this is an unmistakable reference to the Devil or Satan. However, the context is referring to a "man" (vs. 16). This is not just any man, but "the King of Babylon" (vs. 4). Nebuchadnezzar appears to be the king whose fall is prophesied. See Daniel chapter 4 for more information.
A secondary reference? In all fairness, some scholars still believe there is a secondary reference to Satan in this prophecy. For example, Job 38:7 may be referring to angels (sons of God) as "morning stars". 2 Cor. 11:14 notes Satan can appear as an angel of light. And other passages suggest Satan is a fallen angel. If there is a secondary reference, it might be "just as Satan fell, so will the King of Babylon". However, such a reference is hard to prove conclusively.
A lesson for us. Regardless of who Lucifer is, we definitely know from the scriptures we need to watch our own attitudes regarding power, position, and pride. That is true in the classroom, work place, the political realm, and especially in the church (Luke 18:9-14; Phil. 2:3; 1 John 2:16; 3 John 9-11). As Paul warns the Corinthians in 1 Cor. 10:12, "wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall".
A secondary reference? In all fairness, some scholars still believe there is a secondary reference to Satan in this prophecy. For example, Job 38:7 may be referring to angels (sons of God) as "morning stars". 2 Cor. 11:14 notes Satan can appear as an angel of light. And other passages suggest Satan is a fallen angel. If there is a secondary reference, it might be "just as Satan fell, so will the King of Babylon". However, such a reference is hard to prove conclusively.
A lesson for us. Regardless of who Lucifer is, we definitely know from the scriptures we need to watch our own attitudes regarding power, position, and pride. That is true in the classroom, work place, the political realm, and especially in the church (Luke 18:9-14; Phil. 2:3; 1 John 2:16; 3 John 9-11). As Paul warns the Corinthians in 1 Cor. 10:12, "wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall".