Supernatural – Beyond the Laws of Nature

Healing and miracles are extraordinary occurrences that intersect our worldview — events that break into our everyday understanding of what is natural and possible. This article considers where supernatural power comes from, how Jesus modelled it, and how believers today can live open to the Holy Spirit while avoiding Satan's counterfeits.

Two Sources of Supernatural Power

These are events and phenomena that are beyond the laws of nature. A miracle is an occurrence in which God intervenes and overrules the 'laws' of nature to do something that could never happen naturally. However, we open ourselves to deception if we think all supernatural happenings and miracles are of God, for there are two sources: the limited demonic powers such as displayed by magicians, or God's unlimited power, for He does whatever He chooses, being governed only by His character (Ex 7:11,22, 8:7,19; Job 23:13; Ps 115:3, 135:6). Anything God does is ultimately for humanity's best, while Satan's aim is to destroy (Jn 10:10). Time will reveal the origins of any power, including 'false Christs' who will deceive many with great signs and miracles (Mt 24:24; Rev 13:13).

Occult forces can indeed produce effects beyond human abilities, yet they are energised by evil powers, not by God. The Egyptian magicians replicated some of Moses' signs by their secret arts (Ex 7:11,22, 8:7); Simon the sorcerer astonished the people of Samaria with his magic (Act 8:9-11); a slave girl earned profits for her owners by fortune-telling, empowered by a spirit of divination (Acts 16:16–18); and Elymas the sorcerer, also known as Bar-Jesus, used his powers to oppose the preaching of the gospel (Act 13:6-10). Whatever skill, insight or wonder these display, the driving force behind them is Satan's, for he "masquerades as an angel of light" and his servants as servants of righteousness (2 Cor 11:14-15).

Determine the source: Is this from God or Satan?

For this reason, do not be deceived by signs and wonders in themselves. Jesus warned that "false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect – if that were possible" (Mt 24:24), and the lawless one will come "with all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders" (2 Thes 2:9-10). The question to ask of any manifestation is not "Is it supernatural?" but "What force does it originate from – God or Satan?" Test the spirits to see whether they are of God (1 Jn 4:1), judge the tree by its fruit (Mt 7:15-20), and weigh everything against Scripture and the character of Christ.

Nor are we to worship signs – the signs point to God; only God is to be worshipped. When the crowds in Lystra tried to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas after a healing, they tore their clothes and cried out that such honour belonged to the living God alone (Act 14:11-15); an angel likewise refused John's worship, directing it to God (Rev 19:10, 22:8-9). Even true miracles, faith and obedience are to lead us to humble worship of the Lord who works through them (Lk 17:15-16), never to chasing experiences or exalting the human instrument.

Have a correct perspective

Even life itself is supernatural, beyond the capability of human effort; God has made us and gives us life (Job 33:4). He gives us the choice to be channels through which either Satan's destructive force is outworked – increasing the corruption and heartache in society – or the love and beneficial power of God flows out to others.

How to Gauge if Something Extraordinary Is of God

Rather than asking "Is it supernatural?", Scripture gives practical tests for discerning the source of anything extraordinary. The enemy's counterfeits can look impressive (2 Cor 11:14-15), yet "to the law and to the testimony" remains the standard by which every manifestation must be measured (Isa 8:20). Apply these tests honestly and consistently:

Does it agree with Scripture and God's revealed character? (Act 17:11)
Does it confess Jesus as Lord, come in the flesh? (1 Jn 4:2-3)
What fruit does it produce – the fruit of the Spirit or of the flesh? (Mt 7:16-20; Gal 5:22-23)
Does it glorify Jesus, turning attention from people and experiences to God? (Jn 16:14)
Does it promote holiness, love and truth rather than fear, error or self-exaltation? (Jn 8:32; 2 Tim 1:7)
Is it open to testing and examination, or does it resist scrutiny? (1 Thes 5:20-21)

Power that is genuinely of God will pass these tests consistently over time, exalting Christ and producing lasting righteousness, peace and joy (Rom 14:17); that which springs from another source will eventually expose itself through distortion of truth, ungodly fruit or a hunger for fame and control (Mt 7:15-20; 2 Thes 2:9-10).

Jesus, the Apostles and the Continuing Ministry

It was said of Jesus, “No one does these [righteous] things except God is with them...God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power and He went about doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him” (Jn 3:2; Act 10:38). The Apostles did what Jesus had instructed them to, “and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it” (Mk 16:20).

All the miracles of Jesus were supernatural, as was the empowering by the Holy Spirit on Peter and the other disciples on the day of Pentecost, and throughout the book of Acts. It is God's intention that this manifestation of His love to humanity continue, for He stated, “Go into all the world and preach the good news...and these signs will accompany those who believe. In my name...” (Mk 16:15-18). Jesus promised, “Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will even do greater things than these…” as we bear fruit for God's glory (Jn 14:12, 15:8).

Every sign should glorify God

Being connected to Jesus is more important than any display of power (Mt 7:21-23; Lk 10:17-20). So expect and look for the supernatural, by being in tune with divine inspiration and creativity, hearing what the Spirit says and being accountable to other believers, yet do not fall for Satan's counterfeits or methods to bring forth something independent of God.

Prayer and Divine Enablement

Prayer is enlisting divine help in matters we can't achieve or orchestrate by our own efforts. We can't force God to act, but we can put ourselves in the place where God, who is faithful to His Word, must come through on our behalf – doing what we can in humble obedience, the Lord will work on our behalf (Gen 24:27). “It is not in man to direct his steps”, but it is a spiritual battle that requires spiritual weapons and resources to accomplish His goals, for “It is not by might or power [human effort] but by my Spirit says the Lord” (Jer 10:23; Zech 4:6; Eph 6:10-18).

Do not limit God by your unbelief – Matthew 13:58

“It is the anointing of His Spirit that breaks the yoke of bondage” (Isa 10:27). What is impossible with man is possible with God (Lk 18:27). Do not explain away or lock yourself out from receiving what He wants to do in and through you; rather have an attitude of expecting His provision, focusing on the Lord who is for you, and living obediently, thus positioning yourself in faith to receive from His bountiful provision.

Reflection and Application

Test every supernatural claim against Scripture and God's character.
Remain connected to Jesus; being known by Him matters more than displays of power.
Pray expectantly, positioning yourself in obedience to receive God's provision.
Be a channel of God's love and life-giving power rather than Satan's destruction.