Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Hebrews 02:01-04, NKJV).
According to Scripture, the purposes of divine supernatural events - those things we call signs, wonders and miracles - is to confirm the the truth of God's word. Every single such event recounted in the Bible is for that purpose, and while we would like them to occur more often, usually for our own benefit, existence would be utterly chaotic if that were the case.
Think about it. If God contravened His natural physical laws as the norm, rather than the exception, nothing in everyday life could be relied upon. Gravity, chemical reactions, the behavior of subatomic particles, the laws of cosmology and physics would all be up for grabs. It would be a nightmare of epic proportions. You could not protect yourself or your loved ones from the ensuing calamities. Nothing would be certain, not the solidity of the ground under your feet, the applicability of air to life, nor the behavior of any aspect of the natural world.
Furthermore, signs and wonders do not bring people to faith. This is shown throughout Scripture, but especially in the New Testament, where we are told repeatedly that miracles followed the preaching and teaching of the apostles. Faith came first and then supernatural confirmation as a gracious gift. Why does this not happen today? I believe it does, especially in those areas of the world where the Bible is not readily available.
In the last days, however, there will come an increase in supernatural activity. Unexplained phenomena will abound, but we are warned that these are lying signs and wonders to deceive; to distract people from the simple truth of the gospel.
I will not be surprised, if the Lord tarries, for undeniable reports of this type to become routine. In this age of instant digital dissemination, where even in the midst of tsunamis and murderous mayhem, videos can be uploaded instantly to the internet documenting inexplicable events for all to see, the world will become saturated and inoculated to the supernatural. So much so that those who do not love the truth will be given over to the lie.
Beware those who claim to exercise these gifts on demand, for gifts are what they are, distributed by the Holy Spirit according to His own will, not ours. Anyone who claims to be able to control such things, in and of themselves, are liars, or worse. Do not be deceived is the loving cry of the Bible, especially as the end approaches.
Know that as the Children of Israel wandered in the wilderness they were given benchmarks with which to measure any utterance of prophecy, or any sign or wonder. The test was not only that the foretelling must come to pass exactly, but that it must also not draw anyone away from God. He warned that He would allow His people to be exposed to such things as tests of their fealty to the true and living God.
This will be the case today, as well. Again, do not be deceived. Listen to these explicit warnings:
“For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. (Matthew 24:5, NKJV).
“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. (Matthew 24:11, NKJV).
“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).
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10, NKJV).
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: (2 Timothy 3:1, NKJV).
He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. (Revelation 13:13, 14, NKJV).
For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to 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, NKJV).
The only certain remedy for deceit is immersion in the truth of God.
