The Book of Revelation pictures Satan’s forces as using ‘apostles,’ ‘prophets’ and miraculous ‘signs’ to deceive many people (Revelation 2:2,20; 13:3, 13-14; 16:13-14; 18:23; 19:20; 20:10). For example, Revelation 13 describes a leader who suffers from a mortal wound and yet recovers (Revelation 13:3,12,14). His power is so convincing that “all who dwell on earth worship” him (Revelation 13:8). His ally, who is called “another beast,” enforces this worship and also uses amazing powers. Revelation repeatedly emphasizes the world-wide impact of Satan’s miracles.
[The second beast] performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived (Revelation 13:13-14).
For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty (Revelation 16:14).
All nations were deceived by your sorcery (Revelation 18:23).
And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur (Revelation 19:20).
Just because a person does miracles in the Lord’s name does not mean that he is above question.
The testimony of the Old Testament and the New Testament is clear: Satan includes among his weapons miraculous powers, whether pretended or real. Knowing this, we are careful about what we accept as coming from God. Just because a person does miracles in the Lord’s name does not mean that he is above question. We need to test what he teaches and what he claims as proof of God’s power. When we do investigate, it is a matter of obedience to Christ, and of love for souls whose eternal welfare depends on knowing and following the truth (John 3:32). Surely any true man or woman of God will welcome honest investigation.