Scripture warns us about false miracle workers (Matt. 7:22-23; 24:24; 2 Cor. 11:13-14).  But how do we distinguish between true miracles and false miracles?  After all, they appear the same.  The answer to this question is simple. We identify false miracles by the context in which they occur and what or who they point glorify.  We must look at the person doing the miracles to see if he or she is teaching true doctrine. We must also look at their lives. Are they pointing to themselves as special messengers of God? Are they gathering money and possessions to themselves? Questions that must be asked and answered. But most important, to the miracle workers and the miracles themselves point to Jesus and bring people to the cross, or do they point people to getting possessions, being excited, and looking for more miracles?

“…you will know them by their fruits,” (Matt. 7:20).

False teachers and false miracles workers

In order to identify false teachers, even though they may be performing miracles, you must know what the Bible teaches about God, Jesus, salvation, judgment, and more.  Basically,

1. Men pleasers:  They speak to please people rather than God (Luke 16:15; Eph. 6:6-7)
2. Preaching prosperity:  They teach that God wants all people to be healthy and wealthy. They appeal to our needs and desires in order to get people to follow them (2 Tim. 3:1; 4:3). But God may or may not want people healed (Exodus 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:20). Paul underwent many afflictions (2 Cor. 11:26-27) and was not healed by God.
3. Claiming high titles:  False teachers often claim impressive titles for themselves, such as prophet and apostle (2 Cor. 11:13, 20; Rev. 2:2).  True apostles have seen the risen Lord (1 Cor. 9:1) and are humble (Philippians 2:2-8).
4. Gaining money:  Beware of those who say ask you to give them money so that you can get more money from God (1 Tim. 6:5). Sometimes they teach that if you sow your seed to them, God will bless you.
5. Lack of focus on the cross:  Beware of those who do not focus on the work of Christ on the cross. The reason for redemption is what Jesus did (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Therefore, if they have the Holy Spirit, they will bear witness of Jesus (John 15:26) and not themselves or their works.
6. Focus on themselves:  Beware of those who point you to themselves, their ministry, and the revelation more than Jesus (1 Tim. 6:3–4).
7. Pleasing God is associated with them:  Beware of those who imply that if you truly love God, you will love them and support their work (2 Cor. 11:13; Gal. 1:6).
8. Put people under bondage:  Sometimes, false teachers put burdens on people and say they must keep some rules to be right with God. (Acts 5:1; Gal. 2:4). Of course, we are to repent from sin (Acts 17:30). But, we are made right with God not by our effort (Rom. 3:28) but by Jesus’ sacrifice (1 John 1:7).
9. Scripture out of context:  Very often, false teachers take verses out of context. Always check what they say against the word of God (Acts 17:11). Read the context.
10. Teach false doctrine:  False teachers often fail to teach the true doctrine of Christ – that he is God in the flesh, or the Trinity, or salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Therefore, you must know your doctrine (1 Tim. 4:6).  You must know who Christ is and what he’s done on the cross in order to discern truth from error.  Look at Eph. 4:14 and 1 Tim. 4:1, 6.
11. Don’t address sin:   Repentance from sin is an important biblical topic (Acts 3:19; 17:30).  Sin demonstrates our need for the cross of Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-5). False teachers sometimes avoid this topic because they want to tickle the listeners’ ears (2 Tim. 4:3).
12. Universalism:  Some false teachers say that all people will be saved and go to heaven.  But, this is not true (Mark 3:29; Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:11; 20:10)
13. Jesus is not the only way:  Some false teachers say that if you are sincere, no matter who you are, God will accept you.
14. Seek comfort: Many false teachers seek comfort by having multiple houses, multiple cars, etc. This is a sign that they are corrupt (Luke 12:19-20).
15. They are hypocrites: They teach one thing and do another (Rom. 2:19-21). If they teach humility, they should be humble.  If they teach that you should sacrifice, then they should be willing to sacrifice.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many things to look at when trying to decide whether or not someone who is performing miracles is among false miracle workers. We must be discerning. We must be careful. We must not look to the miracles. We must look to Jesus. Otherwise, we might be deceived, for even the devil can perform miraculous works (Matt. 7:22-23; 24:24).

 

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