1449 signs, purposes of

Signs are given to confirm God’s word. They may warn the rebellious or encourage the faithful. People may seek signs as a result of a genuine desire to serve God.

Signs are given to demonstrate God’s power

Dt 34:10-12 See also Dt 4:34; Dt 6:21-22; Dt 7:19; Dt 26:8; 1Ch 16:11-12 pp Ps 105:4-5; Jer 32:21

Signs demonstrate the authority of God’s servants

Moses and Aaron Ex 4:1-9 See also Ex 4:30-31; Ex 7:8-12; Nu 17:1-9; Ac 7:36

Elijah 1Ki 18:36-38

Elisha 2Ki 2:13-14

Jesus Christ Ac 2:22 See also Jn 2:23; Jn 3:2; Jn 7:21; Jn 20:30

The apostles 2Co 12:12 See also Ac 2:43; Ac 5:12; Ac 15:12

Signs may accompany the preaching of the gospel Heb 2:3-4 See also Mk 16:20; Ac 8:6; Ac 14:3

Signs may warn the ungodly of impending judgment

Ex 8:22-23 The prophets often acted out their messages for greater effect: Isa 20:1-4; Eze 4:1-3; Eze 12:3-6,11; Eze 24:15-24
Jer 44:29-30; Lk 2:34; Php 1:28

Signs may warn God’s people against rebellion

Nu 17:10 See also Nu 16:38; Nu 26:10; Dt 28:45-46; 1Sa 2:34; 1Sa 12:16-18

Signs may encourage faith

By giving guidance 1Sa 14:8-10 See also Ge 24:10-14; Ex 13:21-22; 2Sa 5:23-24 pp 1Ch 14:14-15; Mt 2:9-10

By giving assurance of God’s presence Jdg 6:17-22 See also Ge 28:10-17; Ex 3:1-5

By encouraging the fearful and doubting Isa 38:7-8 pp 2Ki 20:8-11 pp 2Ch 32:24 See also Dt 7:17-19; Jdg 6:36-40; 2Ki 6:15-17

Signs need hold no terror for the godly

Jer 10:2 See also Mt 24:6 pp Mk 13:7 pp Lk 21:9

Seeking signs

When seeking signs is acceptable to God Isa 7:11 See also Jdg 6:17; Isa 38:22

When seeking signs is condemnned by God Mt 16:1-4 pp Mk 8:11-12 See also Mt 12:38-39 pp Lk 11:29; Lk 11:16; Lk 12:54-56; Lk 23:8; Jn 2:18; Jn 4:48; Jn 6:30; 1Co 1:22

See also