In the biblical narrative, miracles are often seen as divine acts that reveal God's power and authority. However, Scripture also warns of miracles performed through evil agents, intended to deceive and lead astray those who do not hold fast to the truth. These deceptive acts serve as a test of faith and discernment for believers, while ensnaring the ungodly who are susceptible to falsehood.

Old Testament Warnings

The Old Testament provides early warnings about false prophets and deceptive signs. 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 to you 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 the importance of discerning the source and purpose of miraculous signs, emphasizing that allegiance to God must not be compromised by impressive wonders.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament further elaborates on the theme of deception through miraculous acts. Jesus Himself warns in Matthew 24:24 , "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 prophecy highlights the potential for even the faithful to be misled by counterfeit miracles, underscoring the need for vigilance and spiritual discernment.

The Apostle Paul also addresses this issue in his letters. In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 , he describes the coming of the lawless one: "The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them." Here, Paul identifies the source of these deceptive miracles as Satanic, aimed at those who reject the truth of the Gospel.

The Role of the Antichrist and False Prophet

The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the end times, where miraculous deception plays a significant role. Revelation 13:13-14 describes the false prophet performing great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven, to deceive the inhabitants of the earth. These acts are designed to bolster the authority of the Antichrist and lead people into idolatry and rebellion against God.

Discernment and Faithfulness

Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is the necessity for believers to exercise discernment and remain steadfast in their faith. The ability to distinguish between true and false miracles is rooted in a deep understanding of God's Word and a commitment to His truth. As 1 John 4:1 advises, "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."

In summary, while miracles are often associated with divine intervention, the Bible clearly warns of the potential for evil agents to perform deceptive wonders. These acts serve as a test for believers and a snare for the ungodly, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment and unwavering faith in God's truth.2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
And with all delusion of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 13:14
And deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Fourth vision "On Earth"
... earth when "deceiving spirits" (ie, evil angels) should ... Their miracles will establish
their infernal origin and ... the second Beast, exercised through the human ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision on earth.htm

Psalm XCI.
... There shall no evil happen unto Thee: neither shall any ... What then, if he tempt thee
thus, "work miracles"? ... Me through fear: thrice confess Me through love. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xci.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... trouble for their profession, will study more to deceive themselves by ... thou shalt
be kept and preserved, carried through and delivered from all evil. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... to the apostles, who had the power to work miracles. ... alluding to the trials he was
now passing through. ... day is usually attended with much evil towards them ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

part ii
... malice, envy, ingratitude) and all his evil arts, which ... death into which we had fallen
through sin, and ... my Teacher, my Healer, my Worker of miracles, my Saviour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... of sin or of Satan and his persecuting agents-death itself ... been laid against them],
they have passed through the gate ... though they be of all in most evil case to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Are the miracles in the Bible to be taken literally? | GotQuestions.org

How can we discern counterfeit miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What are the greatest miracles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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