Origin of Evil
27
was seated on the throne with the Father, and the heavenly throng of
holy angels was gathered around them. The Father then made known
that it was ordained by Himself that Christ, His Son, should be equal
with Himself; so that wherever was the presence of His Son, it was as
His own presence. The word of the Son was to be obeyed as readily
as the word of the Father. His Son He had invested with authority to
command the heavenly host. Especially was His Son to work in union
with Himself in the anticipated creation of the earth....
Satan was envious and jealous of Jesus Christ. Yet when all the an-
gels bowed to Jesus to acknowledge His supremacy and high authority
and rightful rule, Satan bowed with them; but his heart was filled with
envy and hatred. Christ had been taken into the special counsel of God
in regard to His plans, while Satan was unacquainted with them. He
did not understand, neither was he permitted to know, the purposes of
God. But Christ was acknowledged sovereign of heaven, His power
and authority to be the same as that of God Himself.
Satan thought that he was himself a favorite in heaven among the
angels. He had been highly exalted; but ... he aspired to the height
of God Himself. He gloried in his loftiness. He knew that he was
honored by the angels. He had a special mission to execute. He had
been near the great Creator, and the ceaseless beams of glorious light
enshrouding the eternal God, had shone especially upon him. Satan
thought how angels had obeyed his command with pleasurable alacrity.
Were not his garments light and beautiful? Why should Christ thus be
[34]
honored before himself?—
The Spirit of Prophecy 1:17, 18
.
The angels joyfully acknowledged the supremacy of Christ, and
prostrating themselves before Him, poured out their love and adoration.
Lucifer bowed with them, but in his heart there was a strange, fierce
conflict. Truth, justice, and loyalty were struggling against envy and
jealousy. The influence of the holy angels seemed for a time to carry
him with them.... But again he was filled with pride in his own glory.
His desire for supremacy returned, and envy of Christ was once more
indulged.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 36, 37
.
Lucifer Begins His Campaign Against Christ
Satan ... began his work of rebellion with the angels under his
command, seeking to diffuse among them the spirit of discontent. And