Topical Bible: Miracles: Performed by False Prophets

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In the biblical narrative, miracles are often seen as divine acts that confirm the authority and message of God's true prophets. However, Scripture also warns of false prophets who perform signs and wonders to deceive and lead people astray. These counterfeit miracles serve as a test of faith and discernment for believers, emphasizing the need to adhere to the truth of God's Word.

Old Testament Warnings

The Old Testament provides early warnings about false prophets who perform signs to lead Israel away from God. In Deuteronomy 13:1-3 , Moses cautions the Israelites: "If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and if the sign or wonder he has spoken comes to pass, but he says, ‘Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,’ you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer." This passage underscores that even if a sign or wonder occurs, it is not proof of divine endorsement if it contradicts God's commandments.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself warning about false prophets. In Matthew 24:24 , He states, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible." This warning highlights the deceptive power of false miracles and the potential for even the faithful to be misled.

The Apostle Paul also addresses this issue in his letters. In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 , he describes the coming of the lawless one as "in accordance with the work of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing." Here, Paul attributes these false miracles to satanic influence, emphasizing their role in deceiving those who reject the truth.

The Role of Discernment

The Bible consistently calls for discernment in evaluating miraculous claims. In 1 John 4:1 , believers are instructed, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This testing involves comparing the message and the miracle to the revealed Word of God, ensuring alignment with biblical truth.

Examples of False Prophets

Throughout Scripture, there are examples of individuals who perform signs to lead people away from God. In the book of Exodus, the magicians of Egypt replicate some of the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron, such as turning staffs into serpents (Exodus 7:11-12). However, their power is limited and ultimately shown to be inferior to God's.

In the New Testament, Simon the Sorcerer is another example. Acts 8:9-11 describes him as someone who "amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great." Although he performed signs, his heart was not right with God, as revealed when he attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18-21).

Conclusion

The biblical teaching on miracles performed by false prophets serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face. While miracles can be a sign of God's power, they are not the sole indicator of truth. The ultimate test is whether the miracle aligns with the teachings of Scripture and glorifies the one true God.

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Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
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Revelation 19:20
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that worked miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
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Library

Miracles
... It is also predicted, concerning False Prophets, and Antichrist ... were those feats
of their real miracles, but only astonishing operations performed by the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/4 miracles.htm

The Miracles
... cured the man born blind and performed a number ... not whence He is, and yet He does
such miracles. ... Antichrist and the false prophets, foretold by both Testaments ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xiii the miracles.htm

The Knowledge of Truth to be Sought from the Prophets Alone.
... were entitled to credit on account of the miracles which they performed, since they ...
the Christ [sent] by Him: which, indeed, the false prophets, who are ...
/.../chapter vii the knowledge of truth.htm

Chapter xxv.
... miracles, for when the Lord performed of the ... unrighteous cannot perform those visible
miracles, and may ... Lord Himself says of the false prophets, speaking thus ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xxv.htm

Church History
... Chapter VII.--Even down to those Times Miracles were performed by the Faithful. ...
Chapter XIV.--The False Prophets of the Phrygians. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/

On the Diversity of Spiritual Gifts.
... On Whose Account the Powers of Miracles are Performed. ... or though he be a worker of
miracles: for if it ... and Zedekiah and Achiah the false prophets in Babylon. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the diversity of.htm

The Unclean Spirits.
... and other wonders, or miracles, been performed, by invisible ... and these are enforced
by miracles, audible sounds ... are of God: because many false prophets are gone ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

Flavius Josephus.
... Jesus as a pseudo-prophet and magician, who performed miracles by Beelzebub ... the famine,
pestilence, and earthquake; the rise of false prophets and impostors ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/flavius josephus.htm

For the Law and the Prophets are Full of Marvels Similar to those ...
... discredit upon them, alleges that He performed only what ... not without the help of
miracles and wonders ... of our conscientious desire, not by false statements, but ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlvi for the law.htm

Why we Believe the Bible.
... Wherever a teaching of science contradicting the Bible has ever been advanced, it
has been proven false, while the ... These miracles were performed in the ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter i why we believe.htm