The Basics of ‘Signs & Wonders’

Signs and wonders are special miracles that clearly indicate that something supernatural is taking place. They are events that unmistakably involve the immediate and powerful action of God. These moments are not random displays of power. They are intentional acts designed to reveal God’s character, His authority, and His purposes.

A sign points to something beyond itself. A wonder causes awe and amazement. Together, signs and wonders show us that God is actively involved in human history and that He is revealing Himself in real and tangible ways.

Modern-Day Mysticism

“ The heavenly realm tends to be magnetic by nature. When you begin to talk about miracles, miracles occur. When you begin to share about His presence, His presence shows up. When you being to discuss signs and wonders, signs and wonder arrive. What you set your attention on manifests in the world around you. God’s domain, it not only reveals itself in the most exciting ways through the journey of life, but then repeats itself and multiplies from one person to the next. Heaven is attracted to itself. When meditating, discussing, contemplating various aspects of the supernatural realm, it seems to attract that very same realm, producing itself again and again. From eternity past, God’s original intent was for each believer to live commonly supernatural – not having experiences that are few and far between, but experiences of His very nature and likeness in day-today life. We need not only read about our God but also experience Him on a frequent basis. The divine relationship between God and man is not to be one of mere knowledge and intellect, but one of excitement through experiences and encounter. ” -Brian Guerin

Words used to describe miraculous events

Scripture uses several words to describe miraculous activity. These include sign, wonder, works, mighty work, portent, power, and works of power. Each word highlights a different aspect of how God moves supernaturally.

Signs and Wonders in the Old Testament

Hebrew Words for Miracle

In the Old Testament, the two Hebrew words most frequently translated as miracle are sign and wonder. These words are closely related and often appear together in the same passages of Scripture. They are used throughout the Law, the Psalms, the Prophets, and historical books to describe God’s supernatural acts among His people.

Examples appear in Exodus, Deuteronomy, Nehemiah, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel.

What Is a Sign in the Old Testament?

A sign can be an object, a daily activity, or an unexpected divine act. Signs may appear ordinary on the surface or completely miraculous, but their purpose is always the same. A sign points people to God.

Signs are meant to invite belief. They give people a reason to trust that God is present and active. However, signs do not force belief. God may provide signs, but He still allows people to choose whether they will respond in faith.

At times, God even invites people to ask for a sign. The signs God performs are meant to cause awe and reverence, leading people to confess that the God of Israel alone works wonders.

What Is a Wonder in the Old Testament?

A wonder describes God’s supernatural activity as a visible manifestation of His power. Wonders often produce amazement and fear of the Lord. In some cases, wonders also serve as indicators of future events. They are not just about the moment itself but about what God is about to do next.

Signs and Wonders in the New Testament

In the New Testament, signs and wonders are used in much the same way as in the Old Testament. They confirm divine authority, reveal God’s power, and demonstrate that His kingdom is advancing.

These terms appear frequently in the Gospels, the book of Acts, the letters of Paul, and the book of Hebrews.

Signs in the New Testament

The Greek word for sign refers to a miracle taken as evidence of divine authority. Signs confirm that what is being spoken or done has its source in God.

The apostle John, in particular, consistently used the word sign to describe the miracles of Jesus. For John, miracles were not just displays of power. They were markers pointing to who Jesus truly is.

Wonders in the New Testament

The Greek word translated wonder is related to a word that conveys terror or astonishment. It refers to something unusual that causes the observer to marvel.

A sign appeals to understanding. A wonder appeals to imagination and emotion. Wonders often follow signs, but sometimes they come first or stand alone.

Most wonders in the New Testament are presented as God’s activity. However, Scripture also warns that wonders can be counterfeited. At times, Satan works through human instruments to produce lying signs and wonders. This is why discernment is essential.

Power and Works in the New Testament

The New Testament also uses the word power to describe supernatural ability that originates from God. Another word often used is work, which refers to miraculous acts accomplished by divine power.

John the Baptist heard about the works of Jesus while imprisoned. The apostle John frequently referred to Jesus’ miracles as works, emphasizing that they revealed the Father’s activity through the Son.

The Purpose of Signs and Wonders

Signs and wonders serve several purposes in Scripture:

They confirm that Jesus is God.
They validate the Word of God.
They show that God was with the early church just as He was with Israel in the Exodus.
They mark shifts in how God is dealing with humanity.

Signs and wonders are never random. They always align with God’s redemptive plan.

Categories of Miracles in Scripture

Wonders of Apprehension

There are moments when individuals encounter God in a deeply personal and overwhelming way because He has called them for a specific purpose.

Moses encountered God at the burning bush and learned that holiness is required in God’s presence.
Saul encountered God on the road to Damascus and was confronted with his rebellion.

Miracles of Provision

God often provides supernaturally when His people face needs that cannot be met through natural means.

The feeding of the five thousand.
The provision of manna for Israel in the wilderness.

Miracles of Protection

God protects His people, often through angelic intervention, when they are in danger.

Daniel in the lions’ den.
The three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace.

Miracles of Deliverance from Planned Destruction

God sends warnings and provides escape when danger is imminent.

Joseph and Mary being warned to flee with Jesus.
Peter being released from prison.

Miracles of Healing

God heals physical sickness, disease, and spiritual oppression through miraculous power.

Healings performed by the apostles in Acts.
The deliverance of the demonized man in the region of the Gadarenes.

Miracles of Divine Revelation

God reveals His plans, His Word, and His purposes through supernatural understanding.

Jesus opening the Scriptures to His disciples.
Daniel receiving visions and revelation from God.

Understanding the Supernatural

The supernatural refers to realities that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws. It goes beyond what can be measured, observed, or replicated through natural means.

Supernatural manifestations originate in the spiritual realm. There are two active sources of supernatural power. God and His angels. Satan and his demons.

This is why not every supernatural experience is from God.

Lying Signs and Wonders

Satan uses counterfeit signs and wonders to deceive and draw people away from truth. God uses genuine miracles to lead people into righteousness and relationship with Him.

Because of this, believers must learn discernment so they do not become entangled in experiences that are not from God.

Jesus Himself confronted this when Satan attempted to use Scripture to tempt Him. Jesus responded by rightly dividing the Word and refusing to test God.

Moving Beyond the Seashore

God does not want His people to settle for small, shallow experiences. He calls those who are willing to go deeper, to plunge into the divine and become immersed in wonder.

Revelation represents what we currently know. Mystery represents where God is leading us next.

Shock and Awe

God is about to do things that will cause shock and awe. Not for spectacle, but so that nations are drawn to His light.

God often stretches human understanding. At times, the mind must be challenged so that the heart can be transformed. Believers are designed to walk as Jesus walked. We are heirs of His kingdom, and God is pouring out His Spirit on all flesh.

New and Uncharted Territory

Just as innovation increases in the natural world, the supernatural realm is expanding in depth and expression. God is leading His people from a small flow into deeper, uncharted territory marked by greater acts of power.

Faith receives what it expects. What is released increases. God often uses what the church considers insignificant to reveal His glory.

We are wired for the unseen. The prophetic acts like a trail of gold, leading from one revelation to the next. Scripture speaks of a time when many will say, “Let us go up into the mountain of the Lord.” This is a call upward, deeper, and closer.

God is inviting His people not just to believe in signs and wonders, but to walk with Him beyond what feels comfortable, into the fullness of His supernatural purpose.

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Signs & Wonders in Scripture