In what way are prophecies signs of a true revelation from God?

Among the most striking prophecies exactly fulfilled are: the long-suffering passion of the Lord, foretold in detail seven centuries beforehand (Isa 53); the crucifixion, with the piercing of his hands and feet, in an age that knew no crucifixion (Psa 22:16; see Q042, Q192); and the Lord’s own prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction, fulfilled in the year 70 (Mat 24:1–2; Luk 21:20–24; see Q442).

In the proper sense, miracles are acts which cannot be accomplished by human power, but only by the almighty power of God: for example, to raise the dead, or to heal incurable conditions, such as blindness from birth (Joh 9:32–33).

However, supernatural acts can also be counterfeited by demonic forces, to confuse people and mimic God’s power, as with the magicians of Egypt (Exo 7:10–12), the slave girl with the spirit of divination (Act 16:16–18; see Q373), and the sons of Sceva (Act 19:13–16). Discernment is therefore always required (1Jo 4:1; see Q607).