When Jesus made clay and healed a blind man on the Sabbath day, there was division within, and opposition from, the religious leadership of his time.[i] All who opposed the works of God, did so simply because they were not of God.[ii] But some were confused and asked how a man that is a sinner could do such miracles?
That’s a good question, and it is one that Jesus addressed in Matthew chapter seven when he spoke of the false prophets who would not be granted entrance into his Kingdom.[iii] Jesus clearly told us that there would be men (and women) who were not of God doing miracles and performing great signs and wonders.
In the book of Acts, we read of a man named Simon who used sorcery to deceive the people. He claimed to be a great power of God and from the least to the greatest, because of the signs and wonders he performed, the people believed him.[iv]
The apostle Paul prophesied concerning the Man of Sin, who would use miracles, signs, and lying wonders to steal the souls of those who, because they chose to follow what they could see with their physical eyes rather than the truth of God’s Word, would follow The Son of Perdition into eternal condemnation.[v]
And finally, in THE REVELATION, the apostle John was shown that spirits of devils could deceive people through the working of miracles and that some wonders are indeed lying wonders.[vi]
How can we tell the difference? Some have been given the gift of Discerning of Spirits. Others have not. But all have been given the gift of the WRITTEN WORD OF GOD—THE BIBLE. We worship God through his risen Son based upon what has already been WRITTEN.[vii] We discern what is of God and what is not of God in the same way. But if we are hearers of the Word and not doers of the Word, if we heap teachers to ourselves simply because what they teach makes us “feel good,” then the scriptures are clear that our discernment will be seriously distorted, and we are headed for a fall.[viii]
The Bible tells us our physical bodies are beneficially or adversely affected by distorted discernment, so it is not advisable to take lightly anything that may interfere with our understanding of the expressed, will of God according to his written Word.[ix]
If someone claims to be a great power of God simply because they perform signs and wonders, examine their doctrine (and lifestyle) against the light of scripture. Does it measure up? If it does not, do not make excuses for them. Flee from them!
Run to Jesus. Run to his Word. And you will be safe.[x]
Is it well with your soul?[xi]
[i] John 9:16, All scripture references in this commentary are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Scriptures
[ii] John 8:47
[iii] Matthew 7:22-23
[iv] Acts 8:9-11
[v] 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
[vi] Revelation 16:14
[vii] Isaiah 8:19-20
[viii] Matthew 7:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:3-4
[ix] Proverbs 4:20-22, Luke 11:34-36
[x] Proverbs 18:10, Proverbs 14:26,
[xi] John 3:14-21, Romans 10:9-10. 13
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