What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles?

Claims of religious miracles abound. Many Roman Catholics are convinced of the validity of various sightings of the Virgin Mary, stigmata, weeping or bleeding statues, and even “incorruptible bodies” that never decay after death. There are reported miracles in other religions, as well—Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam all claim to have documented miracles.

Satan has the power to perform miracles. While his power is limited, he can and does perform miracles in order to deceive people. John 8:44 says that Satan is a liar and the father of lies. Satan can make himself appear as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). He does this to draw people away from God.

When Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh, they performed a miraculous sign to confirm their message from God (Exodus 7:8–10). The magi of Egypt were able to perform the same miracle “by their secret arts” (verse 11). God’s miracle was shown to be greater (verse 12), but the fact is that the magi were able to perform a satanic miracle in the king’s court.

During the tribulation, the Antichrist “will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). These miracles are explicitly said to be empowered by Satan. Jesus warned that the end times will be characterized by the treachery of counterfeit prophets who “will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive” (Matthew 24:24).

The fact of demonic miracles is one reason why we must test all spirits: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Any time we are in doubt about a teaching, we are to make sure that it aligns with what Scripture says. If the miracle worker is teaching something contrary to God’s Word, then his miracles, no matter how convincing they seem, are a demonic delusion.

Examples of convincing demonic miracles today are the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in different countries. These appearances of Mary seem legitimate; indeed, they are believed by millions of people. But when we compare what the apparitions say to what Scripture teaches, the lie becomes apparent. In various Marian apparitions, Mary supposedly said a church should be built in her honor (Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1531), that God wants to establish worldwide devotion to Mary’s immaculate heart (Fatima, 1917), that she is the mediatrix between man and God (Fatima), that praying the rosary is required to enter heaven (Fatima), that she receives and answers prayer (Miraculous Medal, 1830), that taking communion makes reparation for sins committed against her (Fatima), and that blessed objects should be worn and placed in homes in order to receive grace (Miraculous Medal).

None of these messages are of God. Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6). Mary does not have an “immaculate” (sinless) heart. Devotion to Mary is not necessary, and the Bible never instructs us to pray to anyone but God. Jesus is the only mediator between man and God (Hebrews 7:25; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1).

The message of the Marian apparitions clearly contradicts Scripture. Did the people who claim to have seen Mary experience a real miracle? Yes, possibly. However, the entity calling itself “Mary” is not working for God’s glory or pointing people to Jesus Christ. Rather, Mary is being glorified, and people are being told to earn their own salvation by works.

Demonic miracles do occur. It is our responsibility to “be alert and of sober mind” (1 Peter 5:8) and not be fooled. We must keep our Bibles open, our heads clear, and our hearts fixed on Jesus.