ARE SIGNS AND MIRACLES EVIDENCES OF TRUTH?
A DEVOTED Christian asks why signs should not be seen among believers now more than they are. Why do not the signs named in Mark 16:17, 18 follow those who believe? These are fair questions and should be answered. Mormonism claims that all those signs follow believers in Mormonism; therefore they must be the true church. “Christian Scientists” claim that they heal the sick, do, in fact, marvelous cures, and that this is an evidence that they are of God. Still other sects and cults make the same claim. Are these claims true? And if the healings and miracles and signs are in evidence among a people, ought it not to be sufficient assurance to us to receive that people as the true people of God? To both of these queries we answer, Most emphatically, no. The manifestation of miracles and signs and wonders may and will be among the true people of God, but they are no evidence that the people are God’s people. When Moses went down to Egypt he wrought wonders. So also did the magicians. Moses clearly implies that predicted signs and wonders among the wicked would come to pass. Deut. 13:1, 2. The test must be, Are the prophets leading away from God or to His Word? Isaiah intimates that there will arise those who shall seek to persuade God’s people to seek to the wonder workings of Spiritism. But the prophet repudiates it all, and gives this test of the ages: “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:19, 20. Jeremiah met false prophets in plenty, who opposed him by the dreams and visions they had had. But God tells His servant: “The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell his dream; and he that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith Jehovah.” Jer. 23:28. Jesus declares that in the day of the Great Assize many will come and say, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by Thy name, and by Thy name cast out demons, and by Thy name do many mighty works?” What is His reply to these wonder-workers? He does not dispute their words, but He takes issue with their character. “Then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity [lawlessness, disobedience].” Matt. 7:22, 23. In two very emphatic passages the Bible sets before us two different workings, which will be especially manifest in the days of Christ’s coming. The first we will quote sets forth the working of the evil one and those with him:— “And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming; whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thess. 2:8–12. See also Rev. 13:13, 14 and 16:13. The chief characteristics of the enemies of God are signs, wonders, and miracles to deceive, to make unrighteousness appear like righteousness. Satan appears as an angel of light; his ministers as ministers of righteousness. 2 Cor. 11:13–15. How may we discern the true people of God, the saints acceptable in Him? Here is the description by His prophet:— “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. . . . And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud One sat like unto the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.” Rev. 14:12–14. Loyalty, faith, endurance, obedience are above all wonder-working signs. John the Baptist was one of the greatest of prophets; yet “John wrought no miracle.” As of old, men seek a sign, and are deceived; and as of old God’s servant must say, “We preach Christ crucified,” to the sign-seekers a stumbling-block, and to the human philosophizers foolishness; but unto them that are called, “Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” 1 Cor. 1:22–25. Signs will in God’s own way accompany His people; but the greatest miracle is a regenerate soul; the greatest sign is a loyal, obedient life in a wicked and gainsaying generation.