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Faith, Miracles, and Discernment: Upholding Biblical Truth Amidst False Testimonies
Miracles have always been a point of wonder, faith, and testimony throughout biblical history. From the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) to the healing of the sick by Jesus (Matthew 8:16-17), they serve as a testament to God’s divine intervention in the lives of His people. However, the Bible also warns against false testimonies and those who may distort the truth for personal gain or mislead others in the faith (Matthew 7:15).
In recent times, there has been much public ridicule surrounding some testimonies shared by members of The Lord’s Chosen Church in Nigeria. Among these are accounts of being saved from kidnappers by a lion or defeating armed robbers in a dream. These stories, though sensational, have been met with skepticism and mockery, largely because they appear to lack the foundation of genuine Christian faith as taught by Jesus and expounded by the Apostles. The church leadership has defended these testimonies, claiming they were misunderstood or misrepresented. However, the Bible urges us to “test every spirit” to see if it is from God (1 John 4:1) and to avoid being led astray by those who may distort the truth.
The Principle of Genuine Faith
As Christians, our faith is rooted not in specific religious affiliations, denominations, or rituals but in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Faith is described in Hebrews 11:1 as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Our faith rests in the fact that God has already completed His work of salvation, and through Christ, we have access to Him.
Romans 10:17 teaches that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Genuine faith is not about adhering to specific doctrines or the influence of particular religious organizations but about believing in what Jesus has done for us. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works or outward displays, so no one can boast.
The Role of Miracles in Scripture
Miracles have always served as a confirmation of God’s power and presence, not as an end in themselves. Throughout the New Testament, we see how Jesus performed miracles, not to gain fame, but to reveal the heart of God and point people to His divine truth. For example, when Jesus healed the blind man (John 9), He did so not just to restore the man’s sight, but to show that He is the light of the world.
Miracles serve to glorify God, but they are never a substitute for faith. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees when they demanded signs and wonders as proof of His divinity (Matthew 12:38-39), reminding them that faith should not be contingent on miraculous events but on trust in God’s Word. This teaches us that while God can and does perform miracles, they are not the cornerstone of our faith. We are to believe in Him because of His Word and the salvation we have received, not because of extraordinary events.
Denouncing False Testimonies
Unfortunately, the false or exaggerated testimonies from churches such as The Lord’s Chosen Church have made many question the authenticity of God’s work in the world today. However, this does not change the truth that God is still in the business of miracles. As Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24, “false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” This is why it is critical to discern truth from falsehood, as not every miraculous claim comes from God.
The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 1:6-9, warned the church to avoid teachings that deviate from the true gospel. It is important to expose and denounce testimonies that do not align with biblical principles, as they mislead believers and tarnish the true work of God. Faith should be based on the truth of God’s Word, not sensational stories that lack spiritual grounding.
Faith and God’s Continued Work
While the world may mock certain testimonies, this should not lead us to doubt that God is still working miracles today. Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). God’s power has not diminished, and He continues to intervene in our lives in miraculous ways. We are called to trust in His will and believe in His ability to do all things, just as He did in the past.
We must also understand that faith itself is a miracle. The transformation of our hearts, the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2), and our reconciliation with God through Christ are miracles that go beyond physical healing or material provision. These miracles are the ultimate work of God—bringing people from spiritual death to life in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5).
Conclusion
In conclusion, while we must acknowledge and reject false testimonies that lack biblical foundation, we should not allow them to erode our belief in God’s ability to perform genuine miracles. Our faith should be rooted in the finished work of Christ, not in the rituals of a denomination or group. God is still active today, and His miraculous works continue to point people toward His truth. But we must always approach miracles with discernment, ensuring they align with the teachings of Scripture and glorify God above all else.
– Chidi EKEH writes from Abuja
