Walking by Faith, Not by Sight: A Biblical Warning About Signs and Wonders in the End Times

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7

In an age filled with spectacle, technology, and emotional experiences, many believers are drawn to what can be seen, felt, or heard. I had a congregation member ask me questions about premonitions and dreams after service just this Sunday. Miracles, dreams, visions, prophetic signs, and supernatural events can capture attention—and hearts. However, Scripture issues a sobering warning: walking by what we see, rather than by faith in God’s Word, can be spiritually dangerous—especially in the last days.

It's About Faith, Not Sight

The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:7 that our Christian walk is one of faith, not sight. Faith is not rooted in emotional highs, visible miracles, or external signs. It is anchored in the unchanging truth of Scripture and the person and work of Jesus Christ.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." — Hebrews 11:1

Genuine faith holds fast even when there are no signs, no feelings, and no visible confirmation. Abraham believed God’s promise, though he saw no immediate fulfillment. Noah built an ark despite never having seen rain. True faith trusts God's Word above all else—even when it contradicts what we see with our eyes.

The Danger of Following Signs and Wonders

Many Christians today are being led astray by a dangerous hunger for miraculous signs. But Scripture repeatedly warns us that signs can be deceptive.

“An evil and adulterous generation craves a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” — Matthew 12:39

Jesus rebuked those who demanded signs. Why? Because a generation that requires visible proof is one that has lost confidence in God’s Word alone. Satan knows this and uses it as a tool to deceive.

“For false christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” — Matthew 24:24

The sobering reality is that Satan has the power to perform signs and wonders. In Exodus, Pharaoh’s magicians mimicked God’s miracles. In Revelation, the beast and the false prophet deceive many through miraculous signs (Revelation 13:13–14). Signs are not proof of truth—they are only proof of power. And not all power is from God.

The Coming Deception of the Antichrist

The end times will be marked by an explosion of supernatural deception. According to Scripture, the Antichrist will not come merely as a political figure—he will be a false messiah, empowered by Satan to perform lying signs and wonders.

“The one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of unrighteousness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10

Those who are not grounded in the truth of God’s Word—who chase after experiences, dreams, and signs—will be swept away by this great deception. Even professing believers who rely on emotional or miraculous confirmations instead of God’s Word may find themselves vulnerable.

Jesus warned of a time when people will say, “Look! He is in the wilderness,” or “Look! He is in the inner rooms”—but we are told not to follow them (Matthew 24:26). He warned us ahead of time so that we would not be deceived.

Anchoring Ourselves in Truth

How can believers avoid deception in an age filled with spiritual counterfeits?

1. Know the Word of God

The only way to recognize falsehood is to know the truth intimately. Christians must be rooted in sound doctrine and diligent in studying Scripture.

2. Love the Truth

2 Thessalonians 2:10 says that those who are deceived perish because they did not “receive the love of the truth.” Truth must not only be known—it must be loved and embraced, even when it’s hard or unpopular.

3. Walk by Faith, Not by Feelings

Our emotions are not reliable guides. Faith is not based on what we feel—it’s based on the unchanging promises of God.

4. Test All Things

Paul wrote, “But examine all things; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Don’t automatically accept dreams, prophecies, or miracles as from God—test them against Scripture.

5. Be Watchful and Sober

The end times will be filled with spiritual confusion. Christians are called to be alert, discerning, and anchored in truth—not tossed about by every new teaching or emotional wave.

The call to “walk by faith and not by sight” is not a vague religious ideal—it is a life-saving warning. In the end times, even the elect could be deceived if they rely on experiences and signs instead of God’s Word.

Now more than ever, Christians must learn to say with conviction: “It is written.” The Word of God is our only sure foundation. Let us hold fast to Christ, not signs. Let us trust in Scripture, not miracles. Let us walk by faith—unshaken, undeceived, and ready for the return of our true King.