Signs and Miracles
(1 Corinthians 12:9,10,28)
In this lesson we are going to look at sign gifts such as miracles and healings to see why they were given and if they are still in place for us today.
In 1 Corinthians 1:22 the word of God says that Jews require a sign. The reason for this is because their nation began with signs (Exodus 4:1-9). To prove that God had appeared unto them Moses was given 3 signs to show to the children of Israel. Then God performed many miracles regarding the plagues on Egypt and their escape from Pharaoh at the Red Sea.
God also told Israel that he would raise up a Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-19). Therefore, when Jesus Christ came, he was to have the signs and do miracles just like Moses. This is the reason Jesus told John the Baptist what he did in Matthew 11:2-6 when John asked if he was the one or should they look for another.
After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ he gave the apostles these sign gifts and the ability to do miracles during their early ministry. He had told them that they would do these works and even greater (John 14:12).
- Acts 3:1-11 (Peters first miracle)
- Acts 9:36-40 (Tabitha raised from the dead by Peter)
- Acts 512-15 (Peter’s shadow passing over people)
- Acts 19:11-12 (Paul sending out Handkerchiefs)
But we see these signs gifts fade away because at the end of Paul’s ministry he was not healing people (1 Timothy 5:23 ; 2 Timothy 4:20). We must remember that when Israel rejects the kingdom of under Stephen in Acts 7, God starts primarily dealing with Gentiles. It stands to reason then that since the Jews require a sign and Greeks seek after wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:22) that the sign gifts would fade out.
During the Tribulation when God is dealing directly with the Jews again and the Church has been raptured out, the signs gifts of healings and miracles will be back in effect because God is dealing with Israel regarding the second coming of Jesus Christ. This is the reason that we have the signs following them that believe in Mark 16:15-18.
It is also interesting to note that Satan can perform miracles and give the antichrist and the false prophets the ability to do these as well during the tribulation (Matthew 24:24 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:9 ; Revelation 13:14).