The Prophetic Gift in the Gospel Church

RULE SIX-MIRACLES NOT A TEST OF A TRUE PROPHET

It has been affirmed by many theological writers, and stated in commentaries on the Scriptures, that the sign of a true prophet is the working of miracles. PGGC 93.2

If the working of miracles is proof of a true prophet, then the “false prophet” mentioned in Revelation 19:20 would be declared after all a true prophet; for it is said, “The beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast.” The same power is mentioned again in Revelation 13:14, as deceiving “them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast.” By the same application of this rule, we would be driven to the conclusion that even Satan is a true prophet. Certain spirits that will do a special work under the sixth of the seven last plagues, are called “the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Revelation 16:14. PGGC 93.3

It is true that miracles are recorded as being wrought by some of the prophets, as in the case of Elijah, Elisha, and Paul. But who has found any record in the Bible of the miracles of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, etc.? Yet these were true prophets of the Lord, and are shown to be such by the rules the Lord has given to test true prophets. PGGC 93.4

That the working of miracles is not the test of a true prophet, is clearly seen by reading the Scripture record of John the Baptist. That he was a prophet is shown by the prediction of his father, Zacharias, in relating the vision God had given him respecting the son that should be born to him: “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways.” Luke 1:76. Our Saviour Himself recognized John as that very prophet who should prepare the way before Him; for of John He said: “But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare Thy way before Thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist.” Luke 7:26-28. PGGC 94.1

Here then is a plain statement of the Saviour that John was a prophet. Let us apply the test of miracle-working, and see the result. In the Gospel as written by John the evangelist, we have these words: “And many resorted unto Him [Christ], and said, John did no miracle: but all things that PGGC 94.2

John spake of this Man were true.” John 10:41. This statement alone is a complete refutation of the claim that the sign of a true prophet is the working of miracles. PGGC 95.1

This sixth rule teaches that if a miracle is wrought by a pretender, there will be seen with it, when carefully tested, a departure from the sacred truths of God’s word, and a lowering of the standard, to meet a heart inclined to shun the way of self-denial. The Lord permits such pretender to arise, and his course is a test to the true child of God, giving him an opportunity to weigh carefully the tendency or motive of said miracle-worker. Those who cling to God’s word, instead of being captivated by the false miracle-worker, come forth strong in God as the result of such experience. PGGC 95.2

In these evil days when many are claiming to be “faith healers,” “divine healers,” or “Christian Science healers,” etc., it would be well to apply closely the Scriptural rules; for it will need divine rules, and the illumination of the Holy Spirit, to enable us clearly to discern the intent and purpose of some of these “healers,” so subtle in their work; while on the other hand are those who openly disregard God’s law and His truth for this time. PGGC 95.3

In this rule six we are counseled to watch the nature of the testimony, whether it draws us nearer to the Lord, or away from Him. Virtually, we are counseled to test the prophet by all the rules, and not decide that he is a true prophet because apparently he is in harmony with one rule. I say apparently, for if perchance he made a prediction, the next question naturally arises, Where did he get his prediction of events to take place? We understand from the Scriptures that anciently unprincipled men, false prophets, “stole” the words of true prophets, and passed them off as their prophecy, seeking thus to succeed in their deception. PGGC 95.4

The Lord has told His people in these times that “the devil is a careful student of the prophecies of the Bible.” And why is this? Is it to learn the truth, that he may help on the work of the Lord?—No, by no means, but rather that he may tell some of these things that are coming-having stolen them from the Lord’s prophets—thus making it appear that his prophets are true ones. PGGC 96.1

“Satan closely watches events, and when he finds one who has a specially strong spirit of opposition to the truth of God, he will even reveal to him unfulfilled events, that he may more firmly secure himself a seat in his heart.... During his experience of nearly six thousand years he has lost none of his skill and shrewdness. All this time he has been a close observer of all that concerns our race.”—Testimonies for the Church 2:171, 172. PGGC 96.2

Although Satan’s prophets may do miracles, or may speak of things to come, by the aid of what they have seen take place (as the death of a person occurring at a certain hour), or tell of an event to come (of which they “stole” their knowledge from God’s prophet), yet in applying all the rules to their case, it will soon be seen where they fail to be in harmony with the Lord’s standard of true prophets. Satan will not teach submission to God’s law, but rather the service of other gods, even though it be the self-pleasing way of shunning the path of self-denial. PGGC 96.3