RE: But how?
The Bible tells us “by their fruits, ye shall know them”.
The existence 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, we are to make sure that what is being taught lines up 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.
If... if... if...
How is the average Joe to know whether the abstruse teachings of some self-proclaimed and even miracle-working prophet are contrary to the - sometimes very confusing - Word of God?!
Look at the Latter-Day Saints and their prophets. Or, if they are too extreme for you: Look at mainstream Lutherans!
Any apparent contradictions to, say, Catholic teachings they can adroitly "explain away," to their advantage. With decades to study and prepare themselves - or with literal centuries of scholars who have been "on their side" - they can do that.
The average Joe who doesn't read Hebrew or Ancient Greek or Latin has no chance outwitting and out-arguing them! And they can ALL point to miracles.
So, if every even obscure sect can point to some miracles they claim for their own, the only means we average Joes have to "out" the purveyors of demonic delusions is to detect, identify, and expose contradictions to the "true" Word of God as revealed in - which version of the Bible, again?
To re-iterate, your proposed solution for dividing false from true prophets is not ab initio invalid - it's just impractical for ordinary people lacking advanced degrees in Theology.
Regards,
Is your "test" relevant or truly applicable, in today's world?
Do we have examples of miracle-workers walking around today, spouting teachings that are (according to you) either "in accordance with" or "contrary to" God's word?
1. Please cite examples of miracle-workers whose teachings are contrary!
2. Please cite examples of miracle-workers whose teachings are in accordance!
How can I otherwise test your "test" to determine if your test is valid - if there aren't any concrete examples of 1 and 2?
Regards,