Shiel Bible Home

THE SPIRITUAL SIGNS

The spiritual signs is a powerful Biblical Expression of God’s Might sign (‘oth “a sign” “mark” mopheth, “wonder”‘ semeion, “a sign,” “signal,” “mark”)

In the Bible, the word “sign” holds tremendous significance as it refers to an act or event that vividly reveals God’s power and presence. These signs serve as tangible evidence of divine intervention, guiding and affirming the faith of believers throughout history.

The Purpose of Signs:

Signs in the Bible serve various purposes, but their primary objective is to demonstrate God’s power and draw people closer to Him. They act as a gateway for believers to perceive and recognize God’s hand at work in their lives and in the world around them. 

“And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” ( Genesis 9 : 12-16 )

Examples of Mighty Spiritual Signs

The Bible is replete with remarkable signs that showcase God’s power. From the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus, signifying liberation from oppression to the turning of water into wine at the wedding in Cana, signifying Jesus’ divine authority, these acts of wonder leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who witness them.

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night
the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry
land. The waters were divided,  and the Israelites went through the sea on
dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and their left.
( Exodus 14 : 21-22 )

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in
Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there,  and Jesus and his disciples were also
invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so
Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” 
“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet
come.” But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial
washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 
Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he
said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the
servants followed his instructions. When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not
knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he
called the bridegroom over.  “A host always serves the best wine first,” he
said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less
expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”
This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his
glory. And his disciples believed in him.
After the wedding, he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother,
his brothers, and his disciples.
( John 2 : 1-12 )

Significance in Prophetic Fulfillment:

Signs play a crucial role in prophetic fulfilment. Throughout the Old Testament, numerous prophecies are accompanied by signs that validate the fulfilment of God’s promises. For instance, the birth of Jesus, heralded by the appearance of a bright star in the sky, affirmed the prophecy of the Messiah’s arrival. 

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel. ( Isaiah 7:14 ) 

Miracles as Signs:

 Miracles, often referred to as signs, serve as tangible demonstrations of God’s power over nature and human limitations. From healing the sick to raising the dead, these awe-inspiring acts vividly reveal God’s compassion, love, and authority. 

I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.
 ( 2  Corinthians 12:12 ) 

Personal Signs and Spiritual Growth:

In addition to large-scale signs witnessed by many, God also provides personal signs that are uniquely tailored to individuals. These intimate encounters serve as catalysts for spiritual growth, deepening one’s faith, and fostering a personal connection with the divine. 

I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, ( Revelation 6:12 )

In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the concept of “signs” is closely linked to miracles and is primarily connected to direct divine intervention. The belief that such signs serve as a means of communication between the visible and invisible realms has been widespread throughout history and remains prevalent today. While attempts to explain these signs naturally may be clever or persuasive, they often fall short of providing satisfactory explanations for the majority of people. According to the Scriptures, the miracles accomplished by Jesus Christ and the apostles can be understood as divine signs, as mentioned. 

He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” ( John 3:2. )

The Jewish people requested Jesus to demonstrate miraculous signs as a way to validate his authority, as mentioned in the Scriptures. 

Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”
( Matthew 12:38 ) 

The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” ( John 2:18 )

As a stone pillar or a signboard

A stone pillar or wooden signboard is being used as a metaphorical representation of guidance and direction. In this verse, the “way” referred to is the path of righteousness or the correct course of action in one’s life. Just as a stone pillar or a signboard helps travellers find their way, it symbolizes God’s guidance and instruction to His people. The metaphor suggests that God will provide clear signs and markers to guide His people along the right path. These signs can come in various forms, just like a stone pillar or a wooden signboard. They serve as reminders and indicators of the correct way to live and make decisions. 

“Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Mark well the path by which you came. Come back again, my virgin Israel; return to your towns here.” ( Jeremiah 31:21 ) 

This verse highlights the idea that God is actively involved in leading and directing His people’s lives, and they can trust in His guidance. It encourages individuals to stay on the right path and follow God’s instructions, as they will ultimately lead to prosperity and fulfilment. The concept of signs in the Bible transcends mere acts or events; they are powerful demonstrations of God’s might and divine intervention. Whether through grand-scale miracles or personal encounters, signs guide, encourage, and strengthen the faith of believers, reminding them of God’s continuous presence in their lives. So, let us remain vigilant and open to the signs around us, for in them, we find profound evidence of God’s unfailing love and power

Scroll to Top