Why does the Bible refer to Satan as an “angel of light?” Isn’t God light and Satan darkness? How can evil also be an “angel of light?”
Titles and metaphors in the Bible can be confusing if not considered in context. There are at least two other times when Scripture uses similar imagery for both Jesus and Satan even though, clearly, the Son of God and the agent of evil are very different. In Isaiah 14:12, Satan is referred to as “morning star” but in Revelation 22:16, Jesus identifies Himself as the “bright morning star.” Simply put, Satan was once an angelic light that shined for God (Job 38:7), but he fell from his place and will never return. Jesus is the light of the world (John 9:5) and will shine eternally (Revelation 22:4). Satan may have once reflected God’s light, but Jesus is the light and shines brighter in the universe.
Similarly, Jesus is referred to as “the lion of Judah” (Revelation 5:5) and Satan is described by Peter as “a prowling lion” (1 Peter 5:8). Clearly, context here is key. The “Lion of Judah” is a reference to position, power, and status in the tribe of Israel. Peter’s warning that Satan is a prowling lion is simply a simile illustrating a caution that the devil stalks believers in order to destroy and devour.
When encountering confusing terms, it can be helpful to a) read the verse in its entire context, being sure to consider what type of literature the book is (prophecy, history, poetry, etc.), b) compare translations to ensure the accuracy of wording, and c) look for all the instances where that phrase is used in Scripture as the Bible is the best interpreter of the Bible.
So, what about this term “angel of light?”
What Does it Mean That Satan Masquerades as an Angel of Light?
The apostle John wrote, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). John also recorded Jesus making this proclamation about Himself in John 8:12 (ESV): “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” Jesus also describes Himself as “the way, the truth, and the life” in John 14:6.
By deduction, if God is light, truth, and life, we can conclude that every other way to go leads to darkness, deception, and death. We need to be careful, however, in understanding that Satan is, in no way, an “equal but opposite” force against God.
Our Triune God has no beginning and no end. Satan is a created being, an angel, who had a beginning, and according to Revelation, Satan’s end is determined, as well (Revelation 20:9-10). When we see a being fighting Satan in the Bible, it’s the archangel Michael who leads that charge (Jude 1:9 and Revelation 12:7). Satan is evil and he’s more powerful than humans on our own but he’s a lesser power than God and no match at all for the name of Jesus.
The goal of evil forces at work in the world is to deceive and to misdirect humanity, to draw us away from God, or if they can’t draw us away, then to destroy our joy or dim our light. The history of our understanding of Satan comes primarily from passages in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14. Their summation is that Satan was a created being, an angel (or messenger) of God, who was beautiful and clever. He, however, became prideful and sought to challenge God. As a result, he and one-third of the heavenly host who followed his deception were ejected from heaven. Unlike humanity, God has provided no plan for redemption of these angels.
Another name for the devil is Lucifer or “light-bearer,” taken from the Isaiah 14:12 passage. Because he is beautiful but deceptive, Paul warns Christians in 2 Corinthians of both false teachers and of Satan’s disguise. “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 ESV).
Jesus also warned us in Matthew 24:24 that in the last days, some false leaders will come claiming to be the Christ, and John writes about an antichrist who will also lead many astray. So we can see that Satan isn’t unique in disguising himself as an “angel” or agent of light, but he is likely the evil power behind those who join this deception.
In other words, Satan is not the light but he does disguise himself as light. Jesus told the crowd in John 8:44 ESV, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Satan tries to appear as light to lead as many souls astray as he can.
How Can We Recognize the Angel of Light Deception?
The best way to recognize a forgery of any kind is to be an expert on the original or true work. Our first defense against Satan is to know Jesus and daily grow closer and closer to Him by reading the Bible, praying, and putting into practice what we learn.
Second is to believe the biblical writers when they warn that false teachers will come among us. We must compare every person’s teaching to God’s Word and watch their lives to see that they live according to what they teach.
Third, 1 John 4:1-3 ESV warns us to “test the spirits.” “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.” Jesus is Lord of all. Those who follow His truth will readily confess this.
Finally, James tells us to “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:7-8 ESV).
Why is the "Angel of Light" Warning Relevant Today?
The writer of Hebrews tells us:
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs” (Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV).
Jesus and not any enemy should be our primary focus at all times. His coming ushered in “the last days.” None of us knows where we are on God’s timeline toward Jesus’s return but logically, we grow closer to that time with every generation. The New Testament writers all warned of false teachers and emphasized that as the day of Christ’s return grows closer, deception and godlessness would rise (2 Timothy 3:1-9). Revelation 12:12 warns us that Satan’s rage will worsen as he knows his time is short.
Because of this, every believer should draw near to God, know Him, obey Him, and represent Him well to others. The more familiar we are with the True Light of the world and the better our lives demonstrate this light, the harder it will be for Satan’s counterfeit efforts to fool us or others.
As powerful as Satan can seem in our world, it’s good to remember the words of Martin Luther’s great hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God":
“And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.”
Further Reading
What are the Names of Angels in the Bible?
Was Satan Really an Angel?
Photo Credit:©GettyImages/sqback
