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In the Judeo-Christian interpretation of what went before: the origin of evil, the origin of our world, and the origin of humans, archangel Lucifer (“light bearer”) aspired to be like the Most High.
How iniquity came about is a mystery. Discussion of it will remain beyond the purview of this piece.
Suffice it to say that, unchecked, it led to rebellion in a celestial place and the subsequent expulsion of Lucifer and the 1/3 of the angelic host he had convinced to join him.
They fell to Earth and, after the Fall in Eden, it became their home.
My understanding is that the devil, Satan (née Lucifer), is, for now, immortal. He is the same being as the one who formerly occupied an exalted position elsewhere. He is still leader, albeit now a fallen one.
He is a crafty student of human nature and knows Holy Writ better than most of us.
British theologian C. S. Lewis envisioned interaction between him and his minions in “The Screwtape Letters.”
He knows his ultimate destiny is the lake of fire.
I have thought on occasion, if the above be true, why not give up? His cause is doomed. But…
