Revelation 16:14

Can demons perform miracles?

PROBLEM: The Bible sometimes uses the same words (sign, wonders, power) to describe the power of demons as those used to describe miracles of God (Revelation 16:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). However, a miracle is a supernatural act of God, and only God can perform such acts. The devil is a created being and has only limited power.

SOLUTION: Although Satan has great spiritual powers, there is a gigantic difference between the power of the devil and the power of God. First, God is infinite in power (omnipotent); the devil (and demons) is only finite and limited. Second, only God can create life (Genesis 1:1; Genesis 1:21; Deuteronomy 32:39); the devil cannot (cf. Exodus 8:19). Only God can raise the dead (John 10:18; Revelation 1:18); the devil cannot, though he gave “breath” (animation) to the idolatrous image of the Antichrist (Revelation 13:15).

The devil has great power to deceive people (Revelation 12:9), to oppress those who yield to him and even to possess them (Acts 16:16). He is a master magician and a super scientist. And with his vast knowledge of God, man, and the universe, he is able to perform “lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9; cf. Revelation 13:13-14). But true miracles can be performed only by God. The devil can do the supernormal but not the supernatural. Only God can control the natural laws He has established, though on one occasion He granted Satan the power to bring a whirlwind on Job’s family (Job 1:19). Further, all the power the devil has is given him by God and is carefully limited and monitored (cf. Job 1:10-12). Christ had defeatedthe devil and triumphed over him and all his host (Hebrews 2:14-15; Colossians 2:15), thus giving power to His people to be victorious over demonic forces (Ephesians 4:4-11). Thus, John informed believers: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).