Movement of Signs and Wonders: How to Discern Signs and Wonders

Discerning signs and wonders has been a dilemma in many believers’ minds. Rev Dr Alvin Lim explores how to discern whether signs and wonders are authentic works of God.

As Pentecostals, we believe that signs and wonders are still in operation today and do powerfully authenticate the preaching of the Gospel of God’s Kingdom (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:4).

We have been warned that in the last days, false prophets and even the Antichrist will use counterfeit signs and wonders to deceive many (Matthew 7:22-23, 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelations 13:13). We do see and hear many of these spectacular and yet suspicious testimonies in our Christian circles. So how do we discern these signs and wonders to be the authentic works of God? Here are seven helpful questions.

True miracles exalt Jesus, not the human instrument.

1. Does it Glorify Christ?
   Is the miracle pointing people toward God, or is it self-serving or sensational? True miracles exalt Jesus, not the human instrument. The Spirit of God seeks to glorify Christ (John 16:14). If the focus is on the miracle-worker’s fame, wealth, or power, rather than on Christ’s lordship, caution is needed. We are told in 1 John 4:1–3 to test the spirits: Do they confess Jesus Christ as Lord in the flesh? Signs sourced in occultism, manipulation, or demonic powers may look impressive but deny Christ’s lordship. When miracle workers begin to speak and command miracles to happen apart from the sovereignty of Christ, we need to recognize that they are trying to be “like God” and the “name it-and-claim-it theology” is glorifying self, not Christ.
   
   
2. Are You Seeking After the Spectacular?
   The religious leaders in Jesus’ time were always seeking a sign to satisfy their desire for power and the spectacular. Jesus rebuked them as evil and adulterous (Matthew 16:1-4). God has already given us many signs to point us to His reality, and the climax of those signs is the sign of Jonah, which is Christ’s death and resurrection after spending three days in the tomb. When a church or a minister seeks after signs and wonders more than God for who He is, alarm bells ought to sound. Today we hear of “grave soaking”, angel feathers, gold dust, etc., as questionable practices and things we should not seek after. Let us major on the major and seek after God Himself.
   
   
3. Does it Align with Scripture?
   Does the sign or wonder align with the core teachings of the Bible and Christian tradition? Is it found in the Bible? Does it fulfill biblical purpose? God will not perform a sign that contradicts His Word. Deuteronomy 13:1–3 warns that even if a sign or wonder happens, if it leads people to another god, it is false. Miracles must always point toward God’s truth, not away from it. Manifestations like dog barking or violent shaking do not seem to fulfill biblical purposes. There are popular teachings like it is God’s will for every Christian to be anointed to heal everyone like Jesus as one example of an over-realized eschatology. We are in an already and-not-yet kingdom of God. This can lead to a dysfunctional theology of suffering, which does not prepare believers for times of suffering.
   
   
4. What is the Fruit?
   Are there lasting positive transformation and moral fruit? Matthew 7:15–20 tells us, “By their fruits you will recognize them.” Genuine works of God produce moral fruits of holiness, repentance, love, justice, integrity, and humility—not confusion, greed, or manipulation. When miracle workers display a desire for fame, power, wealth, and control more than humility and faithful witness, it is wise to pause and evaluate their ministry.
   
   
5. Does it Accompany the Gospel?
   In the New Testament, miracles confirmed the preaching of Christ (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3–4; Acts 14:3). If signs exist without gospel proclamation or discipleship, they risk becoming mere spectacle instead of salvation oriented. Healing crusades that advertise healing to draw crowds but fail to emphasize the gospel, repentance, and cost of discipleship with proper follow up will produce shallow converts who fall away easily.
   
   
6. Does it Stand Up to Testing?
   Spiritual Testing: In 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21, we are told, “Do not quench the Spirit… but test everything; hold fast what is good.” Is it tested by a mature faith community and leadership, especially by those known to have the gift of “discernment of spirits” (1 Corinthians 12:10)? In the Old Testament, false prophets whose prophecy does not come to pass are put to death (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). Authentic miracles withstand scrutiny; false ones often demand blind acceptance. Let’s say someone claims to have been healed of blindness or cancer at a revival meeting. How would scholars, theologians, and pastors assess its authenticity?
   
   
7. Is it Verifiable?
   Are there multiple, independent, and early accounts? Are the witnesses known for honesty or bias? Are their accounts coherent and similar, or exaggerated and conflicting? Is there a possible gain (money, power, fame) influencing the claim? Does the account conflict with what is historically and culturally plausible? Are the details consistent over time and among those who were present? Is there a chance of manipulation, trickery, herd instinct, or placebo effect?
   
   Is there medical or scientific verification? Were scans, X-rays, or clinical tests done before and after the healing? Do we have a doctor’s testimony? Have medical professionals confirmed the healing as unexplained or extraordinary? Can the phenomenon be explained naturally by science (e.g., psychology, physics, medicine)? Many conditions (e.g., chronic pain, depression, or some cancers) can enter remission or be misdiagnosed.
   
   Could it be a mixed reality? Some cases have strong documentation (e.g., tumors disappearing post-prayer). Others are anecdotal and unverifiable (e.g., headache or backache), which makes authentication difficult. It can also be just a temporary relief. Granted that a lack of a current scientific explanation does not prove that there is a lack of divine intervention.

Genuine works of God produce moral fruits of holiness, repentance, love, justice, integrity, and humility—not confusion, greed, or manipulation.

As ministers of the Gospel, let us not be so quick to post about healing testimonies on our social media page before doing some due diligence of verification where possible; it will certainly add credibility to God’s name as well as our own.

May we continue to be ministers of the Gospel who believe in signs and wonders to point people to Christ but seek after God alone.

Rev Dr Alvin Lim is the senior pastor of Maranatha Christian Assembly. He graduated with a doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is passionate about teaching and preaching the timeless Word of God for this changing generation. He is married to his beloved wife, Geok Hong, and they have three lovely children: Isabelle, Iris, and Isaiah.