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Question: Why is the name "Lucifer" used to represent Satan in Latter-day Saint scriptures and the temple ceremony?
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Question: Why is the name "Lucifer" used to represent Satan in Latter-day Saint scriptures and the temple ceremony?
"Lucifer" is a name which designates the pre-mortal Satan, prior to his rebellion against God
One critical website claims, "Another error in the King James Version is the introduction of the name “Lucifer” into the English translation of Isaiah 14:12, a name with occurs nowhere else in the Bible." [1]
In LDS theology, "Lucifer" is a name which designates the pre-mortal Satan, prior to his rebellion against God. Because of Isaiah's use of the term, it has a long history in that role in western Christianity.
The use of Satan/Lucifer in the endowment is not surprising—the endowment is a symbolic ritual drama designed to teach important spiritual truths. It does not matter what Satan's "pre-fall" name really was. Names like "Jehovah" and "Jesus Christ" are Hebrew and Greek respectively: yet, Hebrew and Greek are not likely the language of the pre-mortal world either. The names are used because they quickly and accurately transmit meaning to western Christians.
John Milton, in Paradise Lost used the term in the same way—because its use would be familiar and instantly recognizable to his Christian audience. He knew that it was an allusion, but used it because it was a well-known symbol:
Citie and proud seate
Of LUCIFER, so by allusion calld,
Of that bright Starr to SATAN paragond. - Paradise Lost, Bk IX.
Notes
- ↑ "JST Bible Translation," MormonThink.com