How can we discern counterfeit miracles?

[Chad]

In Matthew 24:24, Jesus warns, “For false christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.” Similarly, 2 Thessalonians 2:9says, “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders.”

When God sent Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, He performed miraculous signs through Moses to prove that Moses was indeed His messenger. However, Exodus 7:22states, “But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses…” (see also Exodus 7:11 and 8:7). God later demonstrated His superiority by performing miracles the magicians, or more accurately, the demons who were empowering the magicians, were not able to replicate (Exodus 8:18; 9:11). But the fact remains that Pharaoh’s magicians were able to perform miracles. So, if miracles can be from either God or the demonic world, how are we to discern the difference?

The Bible does not give specific instructions on how to recognize counterfeit miracles. The Bible does, however, give specific instructions on how to recognize counterfeit messengers. “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16, 20). First John 4:2-6 elaborates, “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist … They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.”

These two passages present two methods for recognizing a false teacher. First, examine his/her fruit. Does he/she display the Christlikeness that is a qualification for a messenger from God (1 Timothy 3:1-13)? Second, examine his/her teaching. Is what he/she teaches in agreement with God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; 4:2; Hebrews 4:12)? If the teacher fails either of these tests, he/she is not from God. It does not matter how many miracles are present. If a person does not walk the truth or teach the truth, we can discount any miracles he/she performs. Miracles performed by a false teacher are not from God.

In the New Testament, miracles were performed almost exclusively by the apostles and their close associates. The miracles served to validate the gospel message and the ministry of the apostles (Acts 2:43; 5:12; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:4). While we should never doubt God’s ability to perform miracles, the biblical purpose of miracles should give us a degree of skepticism concerning reports of modern-day miracles. While it is not biblical to say that God never performs miracles, the Bible is clear that we are to seek after truth, not miracles (Matthew 12:39).

It is an interesting conundrum that miracles in the Bible validated the messenger, and yet today, miracles are not necessarily an indicator for a true messenger of God. The difference is God’s Word. Today we have the complete canon of Scripture, and it is an infallible guide. We have a more sure Word (2 Peter 1:19) we can use to discern whether a messenger and a message is from God. Miracles can be counterfeited. That is why God points us to His Word. Signs and wonders can lead us astray. God’s Word will always light the true path (Psalm 119:105).

How can we discern counterfeit miracles? | GotQuestions.org

How can we discern counterfeit miracles? How can we discern a miracle of God from a satanic miracle?

www.gotquestions.org

 

[Rockerduck]

Oral Roberts and Benny Hinn come to mind of those performing fake miracles.

 

[Hekuran]

In Matthew 24:24, Jesus warns, “For false christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.” Similarly, 2 Thessalonians 2:9says, “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders.”

When God sent Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, He performed miraculous signs through Moses to prove that Moses was indeed His messenger. However, Exodus 7:22states, “But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses…” (see also Exodus 7:11 and 8:7). God later demonstrated His superiority by performing miracles the magicians, or more accurately, the demons who were empowering the magicians, were not able to replicate (Exodus 8:18; 9:11). But the fact remains that Pharaoh’s magicians were able to perform miracles. So, if miracles can be from either God or the demonic world, how are we to discern the difference?

The Bible does not give specific instructions on how to recognize counterfeit miracles. The Bible does, however, give specific instructions on how to recognize counterfeit messengers. “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16, 20). First John 4:2-6 elaborates, “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist … They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.”

These two passages present two methods for recognizing a false teacher. First, examine his/her fruit. Does he/she display the Christlikeness that is a qualification for a messenger from God (1 Timothy 3:1-13)? Second, examine his/her teaching. Is what he/she teaches in agreement with God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; 4:2; Hebrews 4:12)? If the teacher fails either of these tests, he/she is not from God. It does not matter how many miracles are present. If a person does not walk the truth or teach the truth, we can discount any miracles he/she performs. Miracles performed by a false teacher are not from God.

In the New Testament, miracles were performed almost exclusively by the apostles and their close associates. The miracles served to validate the gospel message and the ministry of the apostles (Acts 2:43; 5:12; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:4). While we should never doubt God’s ability to perform miracles, the biblical purpose of miracles should give us a degree of skepticism concerning reports of modern-day miracles. While it is not biblical to say that God never performs miracles, the Bible is clear that we are to seek after truth, not miracles (Matthew 12:39).

It is an interesting conundrum that miracles in the Bible validated the messenger, and yet today, miracles are not necessarily an indicator for a true messenger of God. The difference is God’s Word. Today we have the complete canon of Scripture, and it is an infallible guide. We have a more sure Word (2 Peter 1:19) we can use to discern whether a messenger and a message is from God. Miracles can be counterfeited. That is why God points us to His Word. Signs and wonders can lead us astray. God’s Word will always light the true path (Psalm 119:105).

How can we discern counterfeit miracles? | GotQuestions.org

How can we discern counterfeit miracles? How can we discern a miracle of God from a satanic miracle?

www.gotquestions.org

Keep it really simple: if a miracle directs people to God and gives glory to God, it's probably genuine; if the focus lands on the person performing miracles, best to steer well clear.

 

[First and the Last]

The Apostle John advises believers to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1). This is because many false prophets have gone out into the world. A key aspect of testing involves evaluating whether the miracle leads to truth about Jesus Christ and adheres to the doctrine of the apostles. If a supposed miracle or revelation contradicts the nature and character of God as revealed through Jesus Christ and Scripture, it is likely not of God.

Jesus taught that false prophets can be recognized by their fruits: "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:15-16). The outcomes of genuine miracles include true spiritual growth, edification, repentance, and a greater alignment with God’s will. If the effects of a miracle lead to division, confusion, or behaviors contrary to biblical ethics, this is cause for suspicion.

Paul warns against accepting any gospel other than what has been already received, even if it comes with signs and wonders (Galatians 1:8). This highlights the importance of aligning every miracle with the teachings of Scripture. Any miracle that promotes doctrine or actions contrary to Scripture should be critically questioned and likely rejected.

Authentic miracles in the Bible generally have a clear purpose—they glorify God, strengthen faith, and help in spreading the Gospel. If a miracle seems primarily designed to attract attention, gain profit, or exalt an individual rather than God, it may well be counterfeit.

Discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10) and involves wisdom to distinguish between what is of God and what is not. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). Engaging in prayer, consultation with wise counsel, and a deep study of the Bible are practical steps in exercising discernment.

In summary, discerning counterfeit miracles requires a robust engagement with biblical truth, a heart attuned to the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to the overall spiritual health and doctrine of the Christian community. These principles help ensure that one's faith is built on the solid rock of Christ and not on the shifting sands of deceitful signs and wonders.

 

[Curtis]

It is the "anointing" that teaches us all things, and is true, and not a lie. (1 John 2:27)

A "fake" miracle can be and usually is in making people believe they are saved when they are not! This is all based on human wisdom, and human reasonings by teachers, and preachers who do not have the Spirit but have eloquent well-trained speech.

The Apostle Paul had neither of these qualities, but his words were with power and demonstration of the Spirit of God so that his hearers' "faith" would NOT stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

1Co 2:1 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan.
1Co 2:2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.
1Co 2:3 I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling.
1Co 2:4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.
1Co 2:5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. (NLT)

If there is no power in the Gospel then what you are hearing is not the Gospel.