Spiritual Gifts

MIRACLES NOT PROOF

Another feature respecting false prophets is presented in Deuteronomy in these words: “If there arise among you a prophet. or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder; and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he speak unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams; for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Chapter 13:1-3. SGL 34.1

The above texts are proof that the workings of “signs” and “wonders,” and even miracles, is insufficient evidence of a true prophet; for in other portions of the Scriptures we learn that even Satan himself will work miracles in the last days through his false prophets. 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 16:14. The great test in Deuteronomy, thirteenth chapter, is not the signs that these prophets proclaim and perform, but whether they follow the Lord God in their teachings, or seek by their wonderworking to lead away from His law and truth. SGL 34.2

It has often been asserted that the evidence of a true prophet is the working of miracles. In the case of a few of the prophets we have a record of the working of miracles, but this is never laid down in the Scriptures as proof of a true prophet; for in the case of John the Baptist, Zacharias, his father, prophesied of him thus: “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest.” Luke 1:76. After the fulfilment of John’s mission, the Saviour said of him, “Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist.” Luke 7:28. Yet of him it was said by those believing on Christ, “John did no miracle; but all things that John spake of this Man were true.” John 10:41. So here is positive testimony that John was a true prophet, and yet performed no miracle. How, then, could the sign of a true prophet be the working of miracles? SGL 34.3