ON CHRISTIANITY

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Does the Bible tell us what the devil looks like? We see cartoon images of the devil, with a red suit, forked tail and all that, but would we recognize him if he appeared? I’ve always been curious about this.

— J.R.T.

DEAR J. R.T.: No, the Bible doesn’t tell us exactly what Satan looks like, and one reason is because he can take on all kinds of disguises and forms. The Bible even says that at times “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).

The Bible tells us three very important truths about the devil. First, it affirms that Satan is real. It’s often been said that one of Satan’s most effective schemes is to make people believe he doesn’t exist. He is a spiritual being with enormous power, and the signs of his activity are everywhere.

Second, the Bible tells us Satan is absolutely opposed to God, and as a result, everything he plans and everything he does is evil. Satan is for death, not life; Satan is for evil, not good; Satan is for violence, not peace. Jesus said, “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

And the last truth about the devil is he is a defeated foe. By His death and resurrection, Christ conquered sin and death and hell and Satan, and some day that victory will be complete, when Christ comes to establish His eternal rule. Is your faith and trust in Jesus, and are you seeking to follow Him every day? The Bible says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:7-8).