Pride, it seems, was the very first sin. Isaiah 14 records the downfall of a king, but not a mere earthly ruler. This king is the embodiment of God-defying arrogance, but the language used here apparently references the rebellion and fall of Satan himself.

In Isaiah 14:13, the motivation behind Satan’s rebellion is exposed: “You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high.'” Led by the prideful Lucifer, powerful angelic creatures possessing beauty and glory far beyond our comprehension arrogantly desired recognition and status equal to God Himself. In response, God swiftly and severely judged them.

Pride not only appears to be the earliest sin, but it is at the core of all sin. “Pride”, John Stott writes again, “is more than the first of the seven deadly sins; it is itself the essence of all sin.”

On this day...

• April 24, 2014 - 2014
• Easter Week - 2011
• Hebrews 13:5 - 2009
• x - 2008
• Growing Saints Takes Time - 2007
• God's Merciful Warnings - 2007
• Pride's Potency - 2007
• Opposition To Self Pride - 2007
• Contending For Supremacy - 2007
• Solipsism - 2007