Chapter 5—Miracles Not a Test of God’s Favor
Seek not for Miraculous Manifestations
Let none cherish the idea that special providences or miraculous
manifestations are to be the proof of the genuineness of their work
or of the ideas they advocate. If we keep these things before the
people, they will produce an evil effect, an unhealthful emotion. The
genuine working of the Holy Spirit on human hearts is promised, to
give efficiency through the Word. Christ has declared the Word to
be spirit and life. “The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of
the glory of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea” (
Habakkuk 2:14
,
A.R.V.).
Satan will work in a most subtle manner to introduce human in-
ventions clothed with angel garments. But the light from the Word
is shining amid the moral darkness; and the Bible will never be su-
perseded by miraculous manifestations. The truth must be studied,
it must be searched for as hidden treasure. Wonderful illuminations
will not be given aside from the Word, or to take the place of it. Cling
to the Word, receive the ingrafted Word, which will make men wise
unto salvation. This is the meaning of the words of Christ in regard
to eating His flesh and drinking His blood. And He says, “This is life
[49]
eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ,
whom thou hast sent” (
John 17:3
).
We shall encounter false claims; false prophets will arise; there
will be false dreams and false visions; but preach the Word, be not
drawn away from the voice of God in His Word. Let nothing divert
the mind. The wonderful, the marvelous, will be represented and
presented. Through satanic delusions, wonderful miracles, the claims
of human agents will be urged. Beware of all this.
Christ has given warning, so that none need accept falsehood for
truth. The only channel through which the Spirit operates is that of
the truth.... Our faith and hope are founded, not in feeling, but in
God.—
Letter 12, 1894
.
46