Gnostic groups were the first significant secret societies formed after Christ's resurrection. Had varying degrees of initiation and the highest level, or inner circle, worshiped Lucifer. Satan rebelled against God and was ejected from heaven, so he created the physical universe patterned after the spiritual one. Jesus came to earth to show men the way to heaven, but he was ineffective against Satan and his mission was a failure. Because of this, Gnosticism included a profound hatred of Jesus and his teachings.
Universe consists of two states.
Strict separation between these two worlds. Only selected individuals have a divine spark imprisoned in their physical bodies. Through gnosis, liberate divine spark from the evil physical world and be united with the Supreme Being. Only way to attain salvation. Remainder of humanity has no divine spark.