Miracles versus Righteousness
Miracles versus Righteousness.—Miracles are no evidence of truth; let the child of God remember it always. One of the special warnings God has given us in His Word is that just previous to Christ's coming, Satan will work "with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;" and that a class of people will be so deceived by him as to say, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity." In the first of these Scriptures it is declared that Satan will counterfeit the work of God. Wonderful power, and all manifestations of false signs and wonders will be revealed. Unrighteousness will be made to appear like righteousness; and every soul which does not love truth at whatever cost will be deceived. In the latter scripture, from Matthew 7, the Master draws the contrast, clear and forcible, between the miracles performed and the moral principles involved showing that above appearances God prizes conduct and character. What matters the prophesying in God's name, or the casting out of demons or the wonderful works when iniquity, lawlessness, is in the life? God wants righteousness above all things else. As individuals are qualified and able God will give them power to do wonderful things; but He demands righteousness of all, the righteousness which is in God's law, and which faith in Christ alone can apprehend.