Q. What signs accompany God's apostles today? Should they be the same as the first apostles?

Paul identifies two signs of true apostolic ministry, and in the following order: (1) Patience; (2) The working of signs and miracles and acts of power (2 Cor.12:12, RBV). These two signs are quite different -- the first stems from a sanctified personality, and the second is the dramatic result of the intervention of God in our dimension. In New Testament times the latter were usually physical miracles such as the healing of the sick, raising of the dead, and the casting out of demons. These are important when God requires them; more importantly is the miracle of a transformed life and the inner healing of the soul. Whereas ill-health may well be God's instrument of spiritual reformation or the means of God revealing His love and patience through the sufferer, spiritual ill-health is not. Healing the sick and raising the dead can be accomplished by pagans and even devils but no pagan or devil ever healed the human soul of sin.

This page was created on 2 May 1998 Last updated on 2 May 1998

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