Satan’s Fall and the Doctrine of Original Sin: Refuting Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 Misuse

Satan’s Fall and the Doctrine of Original Sin: Refuting Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 Misuse

For centuries, many have quoted Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 as if they provide the definitive story of Satan’s fall from heaven. But a closer look at the context shows these chapters are not about Satan at all. Instead, they are prophetic oracles against human kings. To understand both original sin and Satan’s rebellion, we must turn to the passages that actually speak to these topics, rather than relying on traditions that read later ideas into the text.

The Truth about Original Sin

The doctrine of original sin begins in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve’s act of disobedience introduced sin into the human race and corrupted the creation. Genesis describes it plainly:

“The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness.” (Genesis 3:6–7 NLT)

Paul expands on this event in Romans, explaining how Adam’s disobedience affected the entire human race:

“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” (Romans 5:12 NLT)

David likewise acknowledges this reality in his psalm of confession:

“For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5 NLT)

Original sin, then, is not an abstract theological invention; it is the biblical explanation for why every human being is in need of redemption through Christ.

The Real Story of Satan’s Fall

The Bible does not give us one long narrative of Satan’s origin and rebellion. Instead, it gives scattered but significant glimpses. Jesus Himself provides one of the clearest:

“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!” (Luke 10:18 NLT)

Revelation describes this fall in dramatic imagery:

“Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.” (Revelation 12:7–9 NLT)

Peter and Jude both affirm the angelic rebellion as well:

“For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment.” (2 Peter 2:4 NLT)

“And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.” (Jude 6 NLT)

These passages together give us the biblical portrait: Satan, once an angel, rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven, dragging other angels with him.

Why Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 Do Not Apply

So where did the popular teaching come from that Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 tell Satan’s story? The answer lies in centuries of interpretation that took poetic imagery and applied it beyond its intended scope.

Isaiah 14 is explicitly addressed to the king of Babylon (Isaiah 14:4). It is a taunt song mocking the downfall of an arrogant ruler. The famous phrase about the “shining star” or “morning star” (Latin: Lucifer) describes a man’s prideful fall, not Satan’s rebellion.

Ezekiel 28 is directed to the king of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:12). The prophet compares him to someone placed in Eden and dressed in splendor, but the purpose is to highlight his arrogance and his coming ruin. Again, the text is about an earthly ruler, not the devil.

To rip these passages out of their historical context and apply them to Satan is to misread the prophets. While the imagery of pride, beauty, and downfall certainly resonates with what we know of Satan from the New Testament, these chapters are not themselves describing him. They are judgments on real kings of Israel’s enemies.

Conclusion

The Bible does not leave us without answers. Original sin is clearly explained in Genesis 3, Romans 5, and Psalm 51. Satan’s fall is revealed in Luke 10, Revelation 12, 2 Peter 2, and Jude 6. Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, while rich in imagery, are misapplied when used as proof texts for Satan’s fall.

The truth is both sobering and liberating: humanity fell in Adam, but redemption is available in Christ. Satan fell through pride and rebellion, but his doom is sealed. As Paul reminds us: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Romans 16:20 NLT)