What Does Satan Look Like?

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Demons are not the only spiritual beings presented in pop culture. They aren’t even the most powerful forces of evil at work in the world. That title is reserved for their master, the Father of Lies (John 8:44), Evil One (Matthew 13:9, 1 John 5:18), Tempter (Matthew 4:3), and Ruler of this Age (2 Corinthians 4:4).

We know him as the devil or Satan, a once glorious angel who rebelled against God and was cast from heaven (Jude 1:6, 2 Peter 2:4, Luke 10:18, Revelation 12:7-9).

Satan is a liar (John 8:44), a tempter (Matthew 4:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12), a deceiver (2 John 1:7), and one who attempts to exalt and magnify himself above God in the world (1 Thessalonians 2:4, Daniel 8:4). We know from Scripture that in the End Times he will also present himself “as God” to the world, causing many Christians to fall away from the faith by deceitful spirits and teachings of demons (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

Where Satan is at work, there is lawlessness (1 Thessalonians 2), confusion (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12), spiritual blindness (Isaiah 59:9-10), rebellion, division, and the perversion of God’s commands and promises (Galatians 1:7).

Furthermore, Satan’s rule is described as one of “death” (Revelation 21:8, Romans 6:23, Matthew 8:12) and “darkness” (Isaiah 5:20, 42:7, 61:1); and his domain in hell is portrayed as a “blazing furnace” where there is “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:40-43)

Like his demons, the Prince of Darkness is not a physical being. Though we don’t know what Satan or any of God’s angels truly look like, we do know that Satan was once a glorious and perhaps beautiful creature. His true physical nature, however, is a mystery.

And yet, the Bible does use metaphors and figurative language to describe Satan’s spiritual nature and behavior. In the Bible, he is portrayed as:

These descriptions have no doubt inspired many fictional representations of Satan as either a red-caped, pitch-forked devil sitting on Donald Duck’s shoulder or a monster of pure evil in the vein of Fantasia’s Chernabog.

Fictional villains like Hannibal Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs), Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: Return of the Jedi), Anton Chigurh (No Country for Old Men), Mr. Hyde (The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), The Joker (The Dark Knight), or Nurse Ratched (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) are not direct parallels to the Evil One described in the Bible, but they do model similar traits of death, destruction, deception, and menace in their respective tales.

Of course, many modern adaptations of Satan have presented a more smooth-talking, intelligent figure, one who is more attractive than overtly evil. His true sinister nature is concealed beneath his immense charm. Ironically, this view of Satan might be more in line with what Paul writes about in 2 Corinthians.

“Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Demons no doubt take after their master in this regard. After all, an enemy who masks his true nature and presents himself as good-natured will often be more effective at winning souls to his cause than a pitched-forked baddie who announces himself as evil, explains his plan, or reveals the consequences that await those who partake of his offerings.

Satan and his demons are far more crafty and deceptive in how they go about their business.

Thankfully, the Bible makes clear that Satan’s power has been countered and overcome by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Those who are in Christ are given new eyes to see Satan’s schemes for what they are (2 Corinthians 5:10-11), the truth of God’s Word to counter Satan’s lies (Matthew 4:1-11, Psalms 119:105-108), and the power to overcome sin in their lives (John 1:5, Hebrews 2:14, James 4:7, 1 John 4:4)

Satan and his demons may have influence over this earth for a time, but we know that one day Satan and all his forces will be cast into the lake of fire and banished forever (Revelation 20:10). As was promised, “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Romans 16:20)

Though many fictional representations present Satan and his demons as rivals to God, the Bible reminds us that God has no equal in heaven or on earth (Isaiah 40:12-31). Demons are powerful forces that should be taken seriously, however, even they are no match for God’s perfect love and light, made available to His followers. (1 John 4:4) For the name of Jesus Christ is a name above all names, above all powers, and above all forces of darkness now and forever (Ephesians 1:21).

Joel Ryan is an LA-based children’s author, artist, professor, and speaker who is passionate about helping young writers unleash their creativity and discover the wonders of their Creator through storytelling and art. In his blog, Perspectives off the Page, he discusses all things story and the creative process.

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