The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 394

The European Union in Prophecy
that are in heaven, . . . whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
powers" (Colossians 1:16); and to Christ, equally with the Father, all heaven gave
allegiance.
The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of
all created beings depended upon their perfect accord with its great principles of
righteousness. God desires from all His creatures the service of love--homage that
springs from an intelligent appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in a
forced allegiance, and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him
voluntary service.
But there was one that chose to pervert this freedom. Sin originated with him
who, next to Christ, had been most honoured of God and who stood highest in power
and glory among the inhabitants of heaven. Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the
covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. "Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the
sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God;
every precious stone was thy covering. . . .Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth;
and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked
up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the
day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee." Ezekiel 28:12-15.
Lucifer might have remained in favor with God, beloved and honoured by all the
angelic host, exercising his noble powers to bless others and to glorify his Maker. But,
says the prophet, "Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast
corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness." Verse 17. Little by little, Lucifer
came to indulge a desire for self-exaltation. "Thou hast set thine heart as the heart of
God." "Thou hast said, . . . I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also
upon the mount of the congregation....I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I
will be like the Most High." Verse 6; Isaiah 14:13, 14. Instead of seeking to make God
supreme in the affections and allegiance of His creatures, it was Lucifer's endeavour
to win their service and homage to himself. And coveting the honour which the infinite
Father had bestowed upon His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power which it
was the prerogative of Christ alone to wield.
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