Why Tackle the question, "What does Satan look like?"
This topic is one that most modern Christian churches have avoided for many years now; some even believe in avoiding the question completely for various reasons. Some of those reasons are backed by a belief that learning anything about the arch enemy of Christ somehow glorifies him instead of the Savior. There are people who don't see any purpose in answering such a question. Other reasons have to do with a deliberate desire to minimize the need to be informed of the tactics of Lucifer; but is their reasoning biblical? Just as you're always at a disadvantage if you're ignorant of the devices of your physical enemy, so you also are vulnerable when ignorant of the tactics of your spiritual foe. God's word warns, "Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour" (KJV, II Peter 5:8). If you don't know what to watch for, how are you going to be vigilant? The apostle Paul, when giving much needed instruction to his brethren in Christ, reminded them of the reason why it was so important to be careful when he taught, "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices (tactics and plots)" (II Corinthians 2:11).
Does knowledge of the devices of Lucifer have anything to do with the question, "What does the devil look like?" Yes, it does. Consider that mention of the senses is often made when speaking of how something appears that might not necessarily be visible to the natural eyes. For example, people will often say things like, "I smell a rat," "Love is blind," and "I don't like the sound of this." They don't smell a literal rat, aren't physically blind, nor do they hear audible, strange sounds that they don't like, rather it's understood that they're referring to suspicion, denial, and caution. Suspicion, denial and caution are abstract things; they aren't actually visible, tangible, audible, or able to be smelled, but they can be perceived by considering the facts surrounding a situation which "looks" a certain way based on knowledge about what and who's involved in it. A similar reaction takes place when dealing with spiritual matters that "smell" or "ring" of Lucifer or situations in which the believer can "see" his destructive hand. This type of discernment between good and evil is partially attributed to having biblical answers to the question, "What does Satan look like?"
What Does the Devil Look Like When He Appears?
Far too few Christian believers are knowledgeable enough about God's word to be able to "see" the influence of Satan even when he's close by because they don't know what he looks like. To put it another way, they can't discern the work of evil to be able to "smell a rat." The scripture of Hosea 4:6 warns, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...." Residents of the United States and of nations in the West have free, legal, and abundant access to Bibles, yet the vast majority of them are clueless when it comes to the wisdom of God's word. This sad situation continues while many followers of Christ who live in regions where the gospel is restricted, are willing to risk persecution for the treasure of owning a Bible in a language they can understand so they can have wisdom from God to answer the question, "What does Satan look like?"
Lucifer Can Look Like an Angel of Light
The arch enemy of Christ can create a variety of appearances not only to cause fear, but also to deceive. He can appear gentle before his kill, helpful before his attack, encouraging before he destroys, and as light to lure people into the darkness of his kingdom, "And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light" (II Corinthians 11:14).
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