Topical Encyclopedia Ambition, when aligned with God's will, can be a noble pursuit. However, when it becomes self-serving and prideful, it can lead to downfall, as exemplified by Lucifer. The account of Lucifer, often associated with ambition gone awry, serves as a cautionary tale within Christian theology.Lucifer's Origin and Fall Lucifer, whose name means "light-bearer" or "morning star," is traditionally understood to have been a high-ranking angel in the heavenly realms. His account is often linked to passages in Isaiah and Ezekiel, which, while primarily addressing earthly kings, are interpreted by many to also allude to Lucifer's fall. In Isaiah 14:12-15 , the prophet writes: "How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. You said in your heart: 'I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit." This passage highlights Lucifer's ambition to elevate himself above God, a desire rooted in pride and self-exaltation. His ambition was not to serve but to usurp, seeking a position that was not his to claim. Ezekiel 28:12-17 further elaborates on this theme, describing the king of Tyre in terms that many theologians see as a dual reference to Lucifer: "You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you... You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for I had ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. From the day you were created you were blameless in your ways until wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made you a spectacle before kings." Here, Lucifer's ambition is depicted as being corrupted by pride, leading to his expulsion from God's presence. His beauty and wisdom, gifts from God, became sources of vanity and rebellion. New Testament References The New Testament also alludes to the consequences of Lucifer's ambition. In Luke 10:18 , Jesus states, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven," a reference to the swift and decisive nature of Lucifer's fall. This fall serves as a warning against the dangers of prideful ambition. In 1 Timothy 3:6 , Paul advises that a church leader "must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil." This caution underscores the peril of unchecked ambition and pride, drawing a parallel to Lucifer's own downfall. Theological Implications Lucifer's ambition, driven by pride and a desire for power, stands as a stark reminder of the potential for ambition to lead to sin when it is not tempered by humility and submission to God's will. His account is a powerful illustration of the biblical principle found in Proverbs 16:18 : "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." In Christian theology, Lucifer's fall is not just a historical event but a symbol of the spiritual battle between pride and humility, self-will and divine will. It serves as a reminder to believers to align their ambitions with God's purposes, seeking to glorify Him rather than themselves. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 14:12-15How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how are you cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! Nave's Topical Index Library Who is the Greatest? Thoughts on the Last Battle "I have Sinned against the Lord. " -- Manners of the Susid??. The Deceitfulness of the Human Heart Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Pride and Humility Pride and Humility Faith (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, December 5, 1865) Lorimer -- the Fall of Satan Resources What does the Bible say about ambition? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.org Ambition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ambition: Connected With: Covetousness Ambition: Connected With: Cruelty Ambition: Connected With: Pride Ambition: Falsely Charged Against Moses Ambition: Korah and his Co-Conspirators Ambition: Leads to Strife and Contention Ambition: Parable of the Thistle, Illustrating Ambition: The Builders of Babel Ambition: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |
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