How did sin originate?
The origin of sin can be traced back to Heaven. Lucifer was once a perfect, beautiful, covering cherub; however, he allowed iniquity to overtake his heart. Ezekiel says this of Lucifer:
“You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.” Ezekiel 28:15
This iniquity brought about war in Heaven and resulted in one third of the angels being cast out (Revelation 12:3–4,7–9). Of course, this spiritual war made its way to Earth sometime after God created man, when Lucifer, who disguised himself as a serpent, deceived Eve and brought about the spiritual decline and fall of man (Genesis 3:1–6).
Lucifer wanted to be like God, not in character, but in position, authority, and power:
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’” Isaiah 14:12–14
Sin originated in self-seeking, in the “I” spirit in Lucifer, who is the devil and Satan, the accuser of God and man (Revelation 12:10).