In the history of religious representations, the image of Lucifer occupies a central place, for it is through his actions that the understanding of evil as a deviation from the divine order was formed.

Lucifer’s Fall and the Birth of Evil

In the history of religious representations, the image of Lucifer occupies a central place, for it is through his actions that the understanding of evil as a deviation from the divine order was formed. In the earliest traditional texts, the focus is not on any positive traits but on the missteps that led to the destruction of the harmony of existence. The main idea is that the original delusion that arose in the heart of this greatest being became a turning point in the history of good and evil.

The narrative details how the first angel, close to God, allowed pride to take over, turning his uniqueness into an instrument of self-assertion. This extreme form of selfishness—defined as the desire to possess the world exclusively for oneself and the refusal to share light with others—is viewed as the fundamental fall and the beginning of all evil. The image of Lucifer, deprived of genuine love and grace, becomes a symbol of a destructive rebellion against the established order, which ultimately led to his rejection.

In summary, these ancient treatises emphasize not the potentially bright aspects of a personality but rather the original sinful moments—the deception, pride, and the desire for independence from the Highest Will. These qualities, embodied in Lucifer, are today seen as representing the disrupted balance between life and death, between good and evil. This approach allows us to gain a deeper insight into how one decisive deviation from the divine plan can alter the conception of evil for many centuries to come.

Why do some consider Lucifer or Satan evil if their qualities can be perceived as good?

Some consider Lucifer or Satan evil because traditional religious sources focus not on his seemingly positive qualities but on the original errors that led to the destruction of the harmony of existence. For example, one text emphasizes that even in ancient times, the Logos declared that Lucifer is “the liar and father of lies,” because it was in his heart that the lie was born, proclaiming: “No, you will not die.” This lie stands in opposition to the natural order of life and death, and it is through it that the image of Lucifer is outlined as a symbol of deviation from the divine law (source: link txt, pp. 24-27).

Furthermore, according to the views expressed by the Holy Fathers, the first being created close to God—Lucifer—allowed himself to be led astray by pride. In one passage it is said: “By an inexplicable whim, the first being created by God and closest to Him, the highest angel—Denitsa, or Lucifer (bearer of light), desired to have everything solely for himself, giving nothing to anyone. According to the Holy Fathers, he became enamored with himself and became, as it were, a self-contained empty vessel. This original sin is called pride…” Such actions are seen as a radical departure from God’s grace and love, making his image the embodiment of evil (source: link txt).

Finally, another text emphasizes that evil, essentially, originates from the sin of one angel—his pride, that is, his rebellion against God. Here it is stressed that the desire for self-assertion and independence from the divine order (as manifested by Lucifer) becomes the primary cause of all evil (source: link txt).

Thus, it is precisely the emphasis on deception, pride, and rebellion against the divine order—and not the seemingly positive external elements of his character—that underlies the perception of Lucifer or Satan as the embodiment of evil.

Supporting citation(s):
“When the Logos was on earth, it declared that Lucifer is ‘the liar and father of lies,’ thereby proving that the first thought of a lie appeared in Lucifer’s heart. This lie was: ‘No, you will not die.’ Since then, the adherents of Satan have repeated this lie. The one who has died is completely dead and lives no longer… When death comes, life ceases. The doctrine of the immortal soul is based on Satan’s original lie.” (source: link txt, pp. 24-27)

“By an inexplicable whim, the first being created by God and closest to Him, the highest Angel—Denitsa, or Lucifer (bearer of light), desired to have everything solely for himself, giving nothing to anyone. According to the Holy Fathers, he became enamored with himself and became, as it were, a self-contained empty vessel. This original sin is called both pride and self-love, now known as selfishness.” (source: link txt)

“Thus, evil originates in the sin of one angel. And this stance of Lucifer exposes to us the root of all sin—pride, which is rebellion against God. He who was the first to be called to deification by grace wished to be a god in himself.” (source: link txt)