The Devil and Miracles
The devil can certainly perform “miracles” however they are supernatural deceptions to deceive people into believing his lies. Consider the following verses:
“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are 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 16:13-14).
“And 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, and them that worshipped his image…” (Revelation 19:20).
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 21:23).
These verses demonstrate that Satan is active in producing supernatural acts as a means of deception. It is important to note the definition of the Greek word for miracle used in the New Testament. The word is “semeion” and it means “that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known” and an “unusual occurrence, transcending the common course of nature.”
With that being said, a miracle is something distinctive and supernatural. This could be from a source that is either good (from God) or evil (from Satan). This is why we must try the spirits to see their source (1 John 4:1). Only the supernatural works that are done by God will be in harmony with His word. This is the test of the miracle and the one that performed it: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there[a] is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20).
The devil is the father of lies and can even transform himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Therefore, God’s people must be able to discern spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:13-14). The study of God’s Word will help us divide what is true from what is false (2 Timothy 2:15). God’s people cannot be deceived if they are His elect and watch unto prayer (Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:33).
The good news is that the devil is a defeated foe and we can have victory over his wiles (James 4:7). May we stay connected to Christ in order to escape the deceptions of the dark forces and have victory over sin. “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen” (Romans 16:20).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
