The law of signs

There seems to be much confusion regarding signs as to their biblical purpose. Like many doctrines they seem to get one sided and lose there ability to function according to the different contexts. Many times the foundation that is found in the Old testament seems to be completely forgotten as to why the doctrine began?

Signs are used to confirm in two ways. Again some take signs no further than in the way of a sign as blessing. But a sign as a curse to represent those who believe not are endless. They seem to get ignored in favor of those who walk by sight, after the things seen using the things seen in order to confirm there very own source of faith by a action they perform..

It would seem the "law of signs" that do speak of those who rebel (1 Corinthians 14:21-22) can be used in any case. They hat are looking for a sign to represent a blessing only are quick to seek after them as if automatically eliminated so they can keep on using it as if it was a blessing.

Biblical signs follow those who are given the faith of God to believe. We don't seek after the metaphors used to describe a person has already believed. They point back to the substance. Like a sign leaving town that states: " You have just left the city limits".

The parable in Mark 16 to be bit by a serpent representing the father of lies with his false prophecy as poison is a common parable used to represent the lies of Satan. The believer will not be deceived by those poisonous lies . The same applies to the rest of the signs in Mark 16.they all point to the fact that someone has believed. to include speaking in a new tongue the gospel of Christ, prophecy. A portion that those who do seek after sign to confirm something hope applies to them as a way for them to confirm they have the evidence of the Holy Spirit.

Drinking literal poison is just plain ignorance and the rest of the same sign that confirm someone heard the gospel and believed God follows if men do not search for the spiritual meaning hid in the parable.

Its like the signs that Moses used in the exodus of Egypt as a historallly parable representing the work of the gospel leading out the born again Jews into the promised land . The believing Jew were waiting in expectation of the four hundred years trusting the word of God given to Abraham . Egypt to represent the world would have nothing to do with the God of scriptures . God sent a sign to be against them confirming their unbelief. Yet for all that their hearts remained harder than the rock of Gibraltar . The same kind of sign associated with tongues or any what some call sign gift to include baptism. No sign gifts needed for the believer. We have a promise he will not forget the good works we do offer towards His name .

Someone once said ; "If you grin you're in" . That's a sign that comes from within.

Other examples of signs used in both ways would be appreciated.

Tempted by signs as a alternate source of faith.....

John 6:30They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

Christ revealing their motive …...sign as if it was a Wonder (source of faith, the unseen)

John 4:48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

There is nothing in Scripture called a "law of signs".

There is much in Scripture about signs though; usually in narrative passages where people are either asking about signs, or being told what signs will be given.

Signs are given to confirm prophetic words, both negative and positive (as with Hezekiah and Zechariah) and to establish the authority of a messenger (as with Moses and Jesus).

In many cases, the signs were promised even before anyone asked for them (the rainbow, for example). It is critical to distinguish between those who require a sign to confirm something (as did the Pharisees), and those who merely happen to observe a sign without having required it (Philip's audiences; the Corinthian believers).

Signs are tools that God uses for His purposes, and they occur by His choice, not ours. While we should not seek signs in and of themselves, we also should not misconstrue isolated passages of Scripture and assume that all signs are evidence of God's displeasure, when clearly, according to Scripture, they are not.

I wonder what the sign was to Nathanael and he believed. I saw you under a fig tree.

Hi thanks for the reply,

I would offer Its what I call a law of signs. Some call it a theory of signs.

Yes, not all signs according the to the law of signs are used to show unbelief in the heart of man. Some follow one that believes. They have a different purposes (to bless or curse) but all have one defined by the law of distance, speed, volume or the spiritual unseen laws of faith that hide the understanding from the man who has not the Spirit of Christ. As a principle they are not subject to change. This also applies in respect to the sign connected with tongues. Tongues which is prophecy as the word of God it is interpreted by God into many languages.

In so much that the sign as a law confirms the purpose intended. "Chicago 15 miles ahead" it is not a ball park figure give or take 8-11 miles. The sign that reads :you have just left city limits cannot mean its 15 miles to go. before you get there . Many men from my experience turn that upside down as needed to support their sign gift theory.

Its a standard. Signs used as metaphors have a fixed interpretation attached to it. Signs are used both ways . In the MO of the father of lies sign are used to turn the things of men and those of God upside down .As in Jerimiah 44 when the faithless Jews refused to hear the word of God and said; rather we will do the things that come from our own mouth …..saying we refuse to believe in this invisible God Jerimiah spoke of. No different than a atheist. It was that which the sign of tongues was used to confirm ...
"Unbelief in natural unconverted men" .

It was a sign to the whole world . Not just the Christian or Jewish world. But it was not a sign to those who believe. Believing was the unseen sign that followed hearing God, after they believed were the signs used as metaphors that a person had heard the gospel .

There is no outward sign that confirms the faith of Christ is working in us. Maybe a grin for joy . But it has not been assigned a place like those in Mark 16 or Luke. They are the only ones I know of that are used as metaphors showing us they heard the gospel and believed God as a anchor to their new soul

Luke 7:22Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

All six metaphors used to express men have heard the gospel removing all doubt from John who was ready to have his head cut off . The gospel was preached the last on John's bucket list.

Counting the metaphor drinking poison to respect someone has heard the gospel and not believed the poisonous lies of false prophecy it looks like seven ailments used to express the work of the gospel .

When looking at the laws of signs (any sign) That sign first looks to its foundation which is found in Isiah 28..... first establishing a principle of the law in respect to the doctrine of tongues which is. Prophecy of God as God interpretation personally given to men from many nations men and woman alike . .God mocking those with stammering lips as those who refuse to believe prophecy in any word as the authority of God. And yet for all that they still had no faith.

Once a person establishes the law in respect to the sign as to what it does confirm. Then the rest of the doctrine of tongues will fall into place .(no literal sign gifts) . metaphorically sign gift to those who walk by faith .they will be offered the poison of false prophecy inspired earthly of the devil . They will not be affected by the false gospel coming from the brood of vipers. And other metaphors that signify a person has heard the gospel and have believed God as a anchor to their new soul are recorded..

Who is the law speaking to as a sign against them ? Not a sign to support them?

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, "not to them" that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.1 Corinthians 14:21-22

Should we n make a noise that has no meaning and say it confirms something? What?

in ((at least)) one case, given because a person didn't ask for one..

given Isaiah 65:1 - found by those who did not look for Him - i'd say, much more than one case.

so is this the sign of not asking for a sign?

The problem with calling something a "law of signs" is that it is not called that in Scripture. Making up a name for something and using that as a basis for argument is poor practice.

I'm not "the man who has not the Spirit of Christ" so your application to me is invalid. I've pointed this out before.

We disagree on this point. Scripture clearly distinguishes tongues from prophecy several times.

The evidence in Acts says otherwise.

Isaiah 28:11 says nothing at all about signs.

Isaiah 28 says nothing of confirmation.

Isaiah 28 says nothing about sign gifts.

Find someone... anyone... who claims that is what "speaking in tongues" is.

I've asked you repeatedly to quote anyone who claims that. You haven't. It's time to stop arguing against claims that nobody is making.

Its what the scripture informs us.... what the Bible claims. I am not the one who began this so call "sign gift" oral tradition of men.

"Name it claim it, confirm it …...end of the matter. .

I say we walk by faith. Why would I find someone else to interpret the thoughts of God that he freely gives to every man as he did at Pentecost. ? It would be like the idea of God bringing us his revelation as prophecy and saying; oh never mind what I say go find someone to give you a understanding of the noise you just made.

Prophecy /tongues is God understandings. this is regardless what nation God is personal communing with as two walking together. Three is a crowd.

We simply believe it as law not subject to change as to what it confirms .

It would seem you simply refuse to look at the law which foundation is found in Isaiah and give us your opinion either way . Removing the foundation of the doctrine does not change the outcome.

What does the law found in 1 Corinthians 14 in respect to a sign confirm? The question that seems to be a plague to all who look to the idea of "sign gifts"..... rather than walking by faith, the unseen eternal ..

John 6:30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

Once it is established the rest of the doctrine of tongues. "God mocking those who mock his word" will fall into place .(no sign gifts)

Prophecy as a spiritual unseen gift but no literal signs to confirm. Metaphors like drinking poison in Mark 16 that show a person has committed faith to what they heard. literal poison kills. Searching for the spiritual meaning of poison is the andedote.

Why seek after the things seen that some call "sign gift. Two terms (sign and gift) that never meet when walking by faith, "mixing faith"( the unseen eternal) in what a person does see as the temporal gives us the unseen eternal spiritual understanding. Hid from natural man ...if we apply the 20/20 prescription ..brightens up the eyes of ones new heart..

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.2 Corinthians 4:18

The Bible does not call anything "a law of signs". Period. That is your invented term and it has no meaning to anyone but you.

When you find someone who says this, then quote them. Don't waste time repeating your gross misunderstanding of what others believe. Quote them, or be quiet on the matter.

What is that supposed to mean? That when two or three are gathered in Christ, and He is among them, that it is too crowded? What are you smoking?

I've read it many times and don't see it the same way you do. It would seem that you can't let that go.

That is the Pharisees speaking, not those who believe in Jesus.

That is absolutely meaningless in light of Acts 10.

Wrong. Prophecy that is not confirmed by evidence in the real world is not true prophecy.

That's not what Mark 16 is talking about. It is talking about literal poison... fluid that is toxic to the human body. Searching for spiritual meaning is not an antidote to ingested toxic fluid.

For the umpteenth time, WHO claims to do this? QUOTE THEM.

Unbiblical hogwash. Speaking in tongues is called a gift (1 Corinthians 12) and a sign (1 Corinthians 14). Gift + sign = sign gift.

You repeat this silliness as though you are having a conversation with an atheist. Is that what you think I am? Do you think it's going to become relevant if you repeat it often enough? Honestly, Garee, this is like trying to have an intelligent conversation with a three-year old. You just aren't seeing the absolute irrelevance of your comments. It's like the reality of the situation is hidden from you.

We disagree. That does not make me a non-Christian any more than it makes you a non-Christian. Do you get it now? If so, then kindly stop using arguments like "the truth is hidden from the natural man". While true in and of itself, it is irrelevant in our conversation.

We do have the same right as Joshua and can fleece God without tempting Him for a sign. It's Too bad that many however have issue understanding where fleecing ends and tempting begins.

I suspect you didn't mean this, but "fleece" as a verb means to take or receive under false pretenses. "Put out a fleece" is a much better term in the context you used.

^Thank You!!

To whom are you speaking? If you click the "REPLY" button at lower-right, we all will see the post to which you're replying.

I'm biting my tongue.

I was talking about signs as to how they are used in the bible. Signs and wonders churches seem to be on the rise. Sorry if things got confusing.

let us take this -

12Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

this is the most strong law of signs - confirmation of the truth
signs confirm what they should confirm


without sign nothing exist
if you do not have signs of sons of God - you are not one and never been

the whole science based on signs
the faith also - otherwise empty faith

but about poison careful be everyone - if somebody by mistake or forced to drink poison - then will be nothing

if you by yourself take poison - it is similar to throw yourself from temple down
do not tempt God by evil

but the other tongues are witness about faith - one who talks in tongues has believed in Christ

the tongues are sign of God to believer
but one could begin earlier to believe

only who has the gift of differentiation of the spirits can see before any signs

It has been my experience that Garee allegorizes, sees as a sign or symbol and uses as a metaphor every square inch of Scripture.

And the sign said "Long-haired freaky people need not apply",
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why.
He said "You look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you'll do",
So I took off my hat, I said "Imagine that. Huh! Me workin' for you!"