In the biblical narrative, miracles are often seen as divine acts that reveal God's power and authority. However, Scripture also acknowledges the existence of supernatural acts performed through the power of the devil and his agents. These acts, while miraculous in nature, are intended to deceive and lead people away from the truth of God.

Biblical Instances and Warnings

The Bible provides several instances and warnings about miracles performed through evil agents. In the Old Testament, Pharaoh's magicians in Egypt are depicted as performing signs that mimic the miracles of God through Moses and Aaron. In Exodus 7:11-12 , it is recorded: "Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and sorcerers, and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same things by their magic arts. Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs." This passage illustrates the ability of evil agents to perform signs that appear miraculous, yet are ultimately inferior to the power of God.

In the New Testament, Jesus warns of false prophets and false Christs who will perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. In Matthew 24:24 , Jesus states: "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible." This warning highlights the deceptive nature of miracles performed through evil agents, emphasizing the need for discernment among believers.

The Source of Power

The power behind these deceptive miracles is attributed to the devil, who is described as the prince of this world and the father of lies. In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 , the Apostle Paul speaks of the coming of the lawless one, whose arrival is "in accordance with the work of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them." This passage underscores the satanic origin of such miracles and their purpose to lead people away from the truth.

Discernment and Protection

Believers are called to exercise discernment and rely on the Holy Spirit to distinguish between true and false miracles. In 1 John 4:1 , the Apostle John advises: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This exhortation encourages Christians to test the source of miraculous acts and to remain grounded in the truth of Scripture.

Furthermore, Ephesians 6:11-12 instructs believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage highlights the spiritual nature of the battle and the need for divine protection against the deceptive works of evil agents.

Conclusion

While miracles performed through evil agents may appear impressive and convincing, they are ultimately counterfeit and serve the purpose of deception. The Bible provides clear guidance for believers to remain vigilant, discerning, and anchored in the truth of God's Word, recognizing that true miracles align with God's character and purposes.2 Thessalonians 2:9
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 16:14
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Unclean Spirits.
... And with the miracles to be wrought, the frog-like ... of whom the way of truth shall
be evil spoken of ... And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

Glorious Predestination
... We can work spiritual miracles. ... know not evil; have never had to battle with evil
known and ... have not tried the paths of sinful pleasure, and through grace been ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/glorious predestination.htm

The Folly and Danger of Parting with Christ for the Pleasures and ...
... Christ had been working of many miracles, as we may ... you, if they say all manner of
evil against you ... following Christ into glory, unless you go through the press ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of 2.htm

The Spirit of Prayer.
... Christ says, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good ... You cannot fight it through
so. ... the subject of the Prayer of Faith, relate exclusively to miracles. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture vi the spirit of.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... of Christ, are all symbolic miracles, the interpretations ... years during which the
spirit of evil is "bound ... The sinners who, acting "through ignorance" as agents ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ...
... left, by which the frauds of evil spirits could ... this was literally fulfilled in the
miracles of Christ ... the gospel, and its universal spreading through the world ...
/.../xiv proposition xiv fifthly as.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... that to perform, that cannot be done, shewed, nor performed any where ... thou shalt
be kept and preserved, carried through and delivered from all evil. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

part i
... Cross and name of Christ do not perform any miracles, until I ... all your power from
doubt, unbelief, and the passions through which the evil serpent, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... to the apostles, who had the power to work miracles. ... alluding to the trials he was
now passing through. ... day is usually attended with much evil towards them ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Mystery
... really the operations and tricks of evil demons, for true and divine miracles, in
order to ... in his writings, and unwritten declarations, through whom every ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Are the miracles in the Bible to be taken literally? | GotQuestions.org

How can we discern counterfeit miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What are the greatest miracles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus