What about miracles today?
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
As we study the Bible we are greatly impressed with the many miracles that occurred in both the
Old Testament and the New Testament. Genesis chapters one and two tell us of the miracle of creation.
The book of Exodus tells of the miracles that God worked through Moses. The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record a few of the many miracles that Jesus performed while He was in the flesh. These miracles included healing the sick, raising the dead, walking on water, stilling the storm, and feeding thousands of people with only a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. But, are miracles still being performed today?
Many people answer in the affirmative. Let’s begin our study by asking the question, “What is a
‘Bible miracle’?” A miracle is “an interference with nature by supernatural power – when God steps in directly.” A miracle may be defined as “an act of direct intervention by God in the natural world.”
Simply put, a miracle is something that is contrary to nature (natural laws). Adam and Eve were the result of a miracle. God created Adam from “the dust of the ground” (Gen. 2:7) and He created Eve from a rib from Adam’s side (Gen. 2:22-23).
You and I are the result of natural birth because of God’s natural laws of reproduction. Jesus’ birth was a miracle because He had no physical father (Matt. 1:18). Causing a man more than 40 years old who was lame (paralyzed) from birth to stand up and walk is a miracle (Acts 3:1-11; 4:22). Causing a storm to stop by speaking a few words is a miracle (Mark 4:39). The raising of the dead is a miracle (Acts 9:36-42; 20:9-12).
Childbirth is truly marvelous, but it is not a miracle (it is a part of natural law). Natural healing that occurs over a period of time by proper medical treatment is not a miracle. The miracles of healing that took place in the New Testament always took place immediately (2 Kings 5:1-14; Acts 3:1-4; Matt. 9:20-22). Some claim that because someone walked away from a car accident that it was a miracle. Often one’s survival can be attributed to a seat belt, airbag, or other circumstances. A miracle is something that happens which is contrary to natural laws.
There are many today who claim to be modern day miracle workers. Where is the proof? I have heard many stories of “supposed miracles,” but no one has been willing to prove their claims. I might claim that I can run the mile in two minutes, but I will have to demonstrate it before people will believe me.
Some claim that such a demonstration would be a trial of God. Not according to the Bible. Paul said, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Cor. 2:4, 1 Thess. 1:5, 2 Cor. 12:12). If miracles are being performed today, meet me at UAB (Birmingham) and heal at least one terminally ill patient of a local doctor’s choosing or meet me at the cemetery and raise at least one person from the dead. I issue this challenge with all sincerity. If I am a false teacher and hindering the teaching of the gospel then strike me blind as Paul did Elymas the sorcerer in Acts 13:8-11.
Please understand, I am not trying to make a mockery of miracles or the work of our Lord. If miracles exist today, then I am wrong, and I want to do what is right in the sight of God. Show me a miracle and make a believer of me. Remember, one of the purposes of miracles was to “confirm the word” (Mk. 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4). These miracles were to prove that the message and the messengers were from God.
Next time, Lord willing, we will continue our study on the subject of miracles.
Visit with us at the Rockford Church of Christ on Sunday morning at 9:00 for Bible study and 10:00 for worship. Our desire is: “to speak where the Bible speaks and to be silent where the Bible is silent, and to call Bible things by Bible names and to do Bible things in Bible ways.” God bless!
