What about miracles today: Part 2
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
No Bible believer denies the miracles of the Bible. As we read of the miracles performed in both the Old and New Testaments we are awed at the mighty power of God.
Our desire in this series of columns is to answer the question, “Are miracles still being performed today?”
Last week we noted that many people attribute common, everyday occurrences as being miracles. A Bible miracle is “an interference with nature by supernatural power – when God steps in directly.” A miracle “is something that is contrary to nature (natural laws).”
As we study the New Testament we find that miracles served a specific purpose and were for a limited time.
Miracles have ceased because the means of conferring spiritual gifts have ceased. Miraculous powers were only obtained two ways in the New Testament. One was “the baptism of the Holy Spirit,” and the other was by the laying on of the hands of the apostles.
As we read about “the baptism of the Holy Spirit” we immediately notice that it was a promise and never a command. John the baptist said in Mark 1:8, “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Jesus had promised His apostles power with” the baptism of the Holy Spirit.” We find in Luke 24:49 Jesus speaking to the apostles, “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high.”
In Acts 1:8 Jesus said to His apostles, “But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Those apostles were able to work miracles including being able to preach the gospel without preparation, etc.
The second means of obtaining miraculous powers was by the laying on of the apostle’s hands (read Acts 8:14-19). Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:6, “Wherefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
Those on whom the apostles laid hands could NOT impart (confer) these gifts to others. In Acts 8 we notice that Phillip could not pass on the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit, even though he could perform miracles. It was necessary for Peter and John, apostles from Jerusalem, to travel to Samaria to lay hands on the people and impart these miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit.
When all of the apostles died and those on whom they had laid their hands, miracles ceased! No one today is qualified to be an apostle because according to Acts 1:21-22 one must have seen the resurrected Christ.
Next week, Lord willing, we will notice what the Bible says concerning the duration of miracles. May we all have an open mind and continue to “search the Scriptures.”
If you have questions or comments please email me: Dabass1962@bellsouth.net.
Bible study is every Sunday morning at 9:00, and worship is at 10:00. We are located on Highway 231 near the Dollar General. God bless!
