Q: “Is there a difference between signs and wonders and miracles?”

Q: “Is there a difference between signs and wonders and miracles?”

A: Yes, there is. We read about signs in Genesis 1:14 that the stars in the
firmament were to serve as signs. Jesus’ birth was marked by a star that three wise
men followed to Israel. Signs are something that can be seen and read, but they must
be properly interpreted to understand what events they may be signaling or referring to.
Jesus said this in Matthew 12:39, “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a
sign; and there shall be no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah.” We
know the sign in this case is the resurrection of Jesus. Keep in mind, Jesus is referred
to as the Sun of righteousness in Malachi 4:2, the Light that came into this dark world in
John 1:1-9, and in Revelation 22:16, Jesus said of Himself, “I am the root and the
offspring of David and the bright and morning star.” Jesus made clear the sign that
would mark His identity as the Promised One and the completion of His mission, but He
came from above, a light of heaven to penetrate the darkness of the age and a bright
and morning star that rises up in the tender heart and believing soul that brings life and
hope to those who receive the message of the sign of His resurrection in their hearts
(Romans 10:9-10).

“Phenomena” is another word for “wonder,” and is associated with the cosmos that
entail some type of observable event. Wonders often involve that which will catch one’s
attention because it stands distinct and often causes some type of awe because it can
be too great or wonderful to describe. Wonders can be considered a miraculous
happening.

Miracles are something that happen outside of the natural realm that would require
the act of the supernatural. For example, the parting of the Red Sea and the feeding of
the 5,000. As we can see, there were miracles that impacted national Israel and large
groups such as those who followed Jesus out to the wilderness, but God’s great
faithfulness is revealed when He meets individuals in a simple miraculous way. God can
do incredible things, but miracles will often meet the need of the person in quiet ways,
ending in the awe of praise and worship, as well as becoming part of the person’s
testimony.

The important thing is that such things must be properly discerned as to what spirit
is behind the supernatural. There is one who will enter on the scene, the son of
perdition, who will have the power of Satan behind him, but his signs will be for the
purpose of seducing those who do not love the truth into an evil web and his wonders
are propped up by lies that will entertain and create sensationalism as a means to set
the deluded up for unforeseen destruction (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 7-12).

As you consider signs, wonders, and miracles, the future sign we as believers are
looking for is Jesus coming, and the awe He will bring will cause people to marvel,
shake or hide. The final reality is that if the miracle of salvation has not occurred in the
soul before He comes, then upon His coming, all the wicked and evil have to look
forward to is the silencing awe and dread of His ultimate judgment.