Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #3 — Signs And Wonders

Picture: Counsel #3 — Signs And Wonders CCW 166.1

While the bible predicts an end-time outpouring of the prophetic gift, it also predicts an increase in prophetic counterfeits. Indeed, it goes as far as claiming that these counterfeit prophets will “show great signs and wonders.” This means that miraculous physical signs cannot be relied on as proof that a prophet is of God. Miracles and signs are only evidence that a supernatural power is acting upon a prophet. They do not tell us whether that supernatural power is good or evil.^[246] CCW 166.2

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24 NKJV CCW 166.3

“We shall encounter false claims, false prophets will arise; there will be false dreams and false visions; but preach the Word, be not drawn away from the voice of God in His Word. Let nothing divert the mind. The wonderful, the marvelous, will be represented and presented. Through satanic delusions, wonderful miracles, the claims of human agents will be urged. Beware of this.” Ellen White in Letters and Manuscripts, vol. 9, Letter 12, 1894, par. 13 CCW 166.4

Reflect: According to Matthew 24:24, why can't miraculous signs alone verify the authenticity of a prophet? CCW 166.5