📖 Biblical Definition
In Scripture, miracle-signs are supernatural acts of God that serve as authenticating evidence of His power, presence, and prophetic word. They are never performed for entertainment but always carry theological meaning. Jesus performed signs to reveal His identity as the Messiah: "This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory" (John 2:11). The apostles likewise performed signs to confirm the gospel message. Signs pointed beyond themselves to the God who sent them; they were divine credentials, not ends in themselves.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
MIRACLE: An event or effect contrary to the established constitution and course of things; a supernatural event.
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MIR'ACLE, n. [L. miraculum, from miror, to wonder.] 1. Literally, a wonder or wonderful thing. 2. In theology, an event or effect contrary to the established constitution and course of things, or a deviation from the known laws of nature; a supernatural event. SIGN, n. A token; something by which another thing is shown or represented; any visible thing, any motion, appearance or event which indicates the existence or approach of something else.
📖 Key Scripture
• John 2:11 — "This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested His glory."
• Acts 2:22 — "Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs."
• Hebrews 2:4 — "God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit."
• John 20:30-31 — "Jesus did many other signs... but these are written so that you may believe."
• 2 Thessalonians 2:9 — "The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Miracle-signs have been reduced to spectacle, commodified as entertainment, or demanded as proof of spiritual authority.
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The modern charismatic movement has inverted the purpose of signs. Where Scripture presents signs as God's sovereign authentication of His word, the modern church treats them as consumer experiences to be demanded, manufactured, and marketed. "Signs and wonders" conferences sell tickets to witness what God never promised on command. Jesus rebuked the sign-seekers: "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign" (Matthew 12:39). The counterfeit sign industry thrives because people want power without the cross, experience without obedience, and spectacle without submission to Scripture. Meanwhile, the warning about false signs (2 Thessalonians 2:9) goes unheeded.
Usage
• "The miracle-signs of Jesus were not performances for crowds but divine credentials proving He was sent by the Father."
• "Scripture warns that false prophets will perform counterfeit miracle-signs to deceive even the elect."
• "A generation that demands miracle-signs as a condition for faith has already revealed its unbelief."