Heaven (Part 3)Vzorec

Satan Slipped Up

It began with pride, then rebellion. Long before humanity’s fall, there was one in Heaven who dared to challenge God.

Lucifer, a magnificent angel, was consumed by pride. He didn’t want to serve; he wanted to rule. Isaiah 14 captures his heart: 'I will ascend to the heavens… I will make myself like the Most High' (v. 13-14 NIV).

But pride always leads to a fall. Cast out of Heaven, along with the angels who followed him, Lucifer became Satan – an enemy of God. It’s no wonder the Bible warns us about pride so often. In fact, well over 100 times!

Proverbs 16:18 tells us: 'Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall' (NIV).

Pride blinds us, making us believe we can stand in God’s place. A lesson Satan learned too late.

His hatred turned toward humanity. In Eden, Adam and Eve lived in perfect harmony with God until the slippery serpent came, sowing doubt with a single question: 'Did God really say…?' (Genesis 3:1 NIV).

That whisper tapped into their own pride and the desire to be like God, knowing good and evil (see Genesis 3:5). Temptation led to disobedience. Sin entered the world, and death followed. What had been perfect was shattered.

It’s easy to imagine Satan laughing, thinking he had won. But God had other plans. Even in that moment, He offered a promise: 'The offspring of the woman will crush your head' (see Genesis 3:15).

Centuries later, that promise was fulfilled in Jesus. On the cross, Satan struck, but it was a weak attempt at victory. Three days later, the tomb was empty. Jesus had risen, shattering the power of sin, death, and Satan.

Colossians 2:15 paints the picture: 'Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross' (NIV).

This is where the lyrics of the song 'At the Cross' resonate so deeply with me. The words remind me of the heart of the gospel: Jesus conquered sin and death for us. His blood was shed, the grave was defeated, and now nothing, nothing, absolutely NOTHING – can separate us from the love of God (see Romans 8:38-39).

But what about now? We live in the tension between Christ’s victory and the final defeat of sin. The enemy whispers lies, tempting us to doubt God’s goodness, just as he did in Eden.

Pride still creeps into our hearts, making us think we can go it alone or that we don’t need God. Yet the cross reminds us that Jesus has already won. Satan is defeated. The grave is empty.

Revelation 20:10 promises the day when Satan will be cast into the lake of fire, and his influence will be gone forever.

Revelation 21 gives us a glimpse of what’s ahead: 'There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain' (v. 4 NIV). Heaven isn’t a distant dream; it’s a reality secured by Jesus, who conquered sin, death, and the enemy of our souls.

So today, we bow our knees in worship. Pride may have started the story, but your humility before God will end it in victory. Because of Jesus, we live in hope, knowing that one day we will stand in His presence, free from sin, sorrow, and death forever.

Reflect

• Are there any areas of your life where pride often has a chance to creep in?
• How can you strengthen your connection with God and avoid the enemy's lies taking root in your mind?
• Are you ready to cast away your own pride and let God have His way in every area of your life?

Pray

Jesus, thank You for defeating sin, death, and Satan through the cross and resurrection. Help me walk in humility, resisting pride and standing firm in Your truth. Strengthen my heart to live in the victory You’ve already won, as I wait in hope for the day when everything is made new. Amen.