What are “signs and wonders”?
Throughout the Bible, spiritual phenomena are known as signs and wonders. In early Hebrew history, the Israelites’ liberation from enslavement in Egypt was accompanied by divine acts that proved God’s power and presence. From God’s signs to Moses at the burning bush, to compelling proofs in Pharaoh’s court, to the parting of the Red Sea and provision of manna and water in the wilderness, these acts confirmed the God of Israel to be the one God. His wonderful works are celebrated repeatedly in accounts of this history, as well as in many verses of praise (see examples in Exodus 15:11, Deuteronomy 6:22, Psalms 105:5, and Jeremiah 32:20, 21).
In the New Testament, spiritual signs (often called miracles) attested to Christ Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. Luke’s Gospel introduces the Savior’s earthly record with the sign of his birth in a manger (see 2:12). During his ministry, Jesus decisively showed his divine status through healings—signs that impelled wondering crowds to follow him. He challenged one man, “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe”(John 4:48). Yet he acknowledged the import of healing signs when he promised his disciples, “These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; . . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:17, 18).
“Miracles,” writes Mary Baker Eddy, “are no infraction of God’s laws; on the contrary, they fulfil His laws; for they are the signs following Christianity, whereby matter is proven powerless and subordinate to Mind” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 29).
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
