God’s creation of the heavens and the earth had been completed (Genesis 1) but Moses provided further details surrounding man’s creation (Genesis 2), which occurred on day six. Adam had been created from the dust of the ground (2:7) and Eve was fashioned from the rib of the man (2:21-23). Together they formed the first marriage (2:24-25) and dwelt in a perfect environment called the garden of Eden (2:8-15). Although God gave Adam and Eve complete freedom in the garden (2:16), He did prohibit them from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (2:17a). Eating of this tree would result in loss of fellowship with God and physical death (2:17b).
There is a dramatic occurrence in Genesis 3 when a snake appears to Eve while she is alone in the garden (3:1). In the New Testament, both John and Paul identify the serpent as Satan (Revelation 12:9; 20:2; 2 Corinthians 11:3). Since Satan was an angel, he was able to possess the body of the snake. Scripture does not give a lot of details surrounding Satan’s rebellion against God, but many believe it occurred after Genesis 1:31 when God referred to His creation as very good, but prior to this incident in Genesis 3. Ezekiel 28:11-16 reveals that Satan was a beautiful angelic being whose home was the garden of Eden (Ezekiel 28:12-13). Satan was an anointed cherub who guarded God’s throne and had complete access to Him (Ezekiel 28:14) until sin was found in him (Ezekiel 28:15-16). Satan’s sin of pride (1 Timothy 3:6) forced God to remove him from heaven. Isaiah 14:12-15 further describes Satan’s (Lucifer) demise and his attempt to remove God from His rightful throne by overtaking the universe.
His attempt to take over the universe began by appearing to Eve when she was without the protection of her husband and alone in the garden. Satan worked deceitfully by causing her to question God’s command to not eat of the tree (3:1). It is obvious that Eve knew the commandment God had given as well as the punishment for disobeying (3:2-3); however, Satan decided to employ blatant lies to get her to eat of the tree. Satan said, “You won’t die! God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil” (3:4-5). In essence, Satan was informing Eve that God was jealous and withholding something from her by prohibiting them to eat from the tree. Even though Eve had no reason to question God’s goodness, Satan placed doubt in her mind by promising great benefit if she would eat from the tree. Satan’s tactics are still the same today. He lies, offers a benefit to sin, and then watches as people struggle with the choice. ”He [Satan] was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
Dear God, each day help me see the lies of Satan so I can walk in the truth.
