Originally Posted by
johnbond007
I don't know 'coz i'm not a bible expert that's why it's preferrable that there are biblical supports for a certain claim when it comes to a topic about spirituality/religion.
johnbond007 bai, here are some Bible passages that hopefully may help.
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As an attempt to answer the thread question, personally, I think many of these "miracles" look fake. However, is the genuine thing possible in the first place? Yes, if you believe in the gospels.
38 "Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us."
39 "Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. [Mark 9 and Luke 9:49-50]
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Is it possible for the less than sincere (aka fundies) to cast out demons? Theoretically yes, since if Judas can do it (who was after making money out of the whole thing), so can others like him can, potentially, be able pull it off.
1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. [Luke 9]
Judas was still one of the twelve at this point.
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Is miracle making the true measure?
21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' [Matthew 7]
Maybe it doesn't matter if a person can do miracles or not. What matters is in that person's heart - if love of God and others be there or not. Miracles for show, whether real or not, are mere self-serving acts.
23 At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. 24For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time. [Matthew 7 and Mark 13:21-23]
The phrase "signs and miracles" may be taken to mean anything "impressive" in general. It might be a simple as charm, sense of humor, speaking ability, and so on. If someone tries to impress you beyond the occasional common vanity (let's exempt courtship for now) - beware, especially if he or she tries to establish himself or herself as an authority.
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A related question might occur, and that is, if these people end up doing good in the process, would it still be okay? The gospels have addressed the issue as well.
5 But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6 Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7 Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8 Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved. [Romans 3]
Now, here's a seeming contradiction.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. [Philippians 1]
These are the words of a man in jail. He was no longer in a position to meet these people, and shed light on the better path.
The burden of guilt rests on people who deceive others (and in the process, themselves as well). The recipients on the other hand, their burden is to discern the truth, which I believe they can, if they indeed love God above all and others as themselves. That people are taught is better than nothing, although if it comes from unscrupulous sources, they must discern for themselves.
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