OUR ATTESTATION AND SHIELD.
The proof of the mission of the messenger of God in these days is not miracles. If it were, how could we distinguish between the false and the true? for Satan will work "with all power and signs and lying wonders." 2 Thess. 2:9. And these will be wrought in order "that they may lead astray, if possible, the elect." Mark 13:22, Revised Version. The word here translated signs occurs in Mark 16:17; John 20:30; Acts 5:12, and many other places. It is also translated miracles, as in John 3:2; Acts 6:8; Rev. 13:14, and 16:14. Signs or miracles are wrought by both good and bad; by the messengers of Satan as well as the messengers of Christ; to deceive in sin as well as to confirm in righteousness. But the great test and great attestor is the "more sure word" of God. The minister of Christ is to "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." 2 Tim. 4:1-4. And he is to do this because of the deceptions and departure from that word. If one comes to us manifesting great zeal and power, we are to judge him not by the miracles he works, or by his eloquence and zeal, but by his teaching, and the effects of that teaching. "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. 8:20. Not those who do great wonders, but those who do God's will, are his children. See Matt. 7:21-23. All this is summed up by the apostle in 2 Cor. 6:4-7: "In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left." It is not by one proof that the messenger of God is attested, but by many; and the word of truth reveals them all. And those who have the knowledge of the truth, and the love of the truth, will not be deceived. "Thy word," says David, "have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." God's truth must be the shield and buckler of his people.