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THE APOSTOLIC SIGNS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30
Mark 16:17-20

Matthew 7:21-23

 

“…these signs shall follow

them that believe…”

 

THE APOSTOLIC SIGNS
 
Does what Jesus said in Mark 16:17,18 mean that every believer at every age will be able to perform miracles? The answer is no.
 
Jesus is not teaching here that every Christian will be a miracle worker— be able to cast out demons, speak with new tongues, heal the sick, take up snakes and drink poison without being harmed. It is vital to understand who these “believers” that Jesus was referring to were. The context clearly indicates that the “believers” were the Eleven—the Apostles (Mark 16:14). Jesus chided them for “their unbelief and hardness of heart.” He then challenged them to believe His words. They were commanded to preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). And as they did the work of evangelism, they would be given the power to do miracles (Mark 16:17,18). Verse 20 is the key to understanding verses 17 and 18: “And they (i.e. the Apostles) went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” The signs were given to confirm or authenticate the ministry of the Apostles of Jesus Christ.
 
This fact is corroborated by the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 2:43 reads, “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles;” Acts 4:33, “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus;” and Acts 5:12, “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people.” The Apostle Paul himself in defence of his apostleship wrote, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (2 Cor 12:12 cf. Acts 14:3; 15:12; 19:11). These signs were specifically signs of an Apostle. And since there are no Apostles today, there are also no such signs today (1 Cor 13:8-10).
 
THOUGHT: To study more, read Charismatism Q&A by Jeffrey Khoo. Download freely from www.febc.edu.sg (see under Publications→FEBC Press→Christian Theology).

PRAYER: (Pray for a noble heart to search the Scriptures.)

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