#9--Miracles are Real!
One aspect of the Bible that creates stumbling blocks for many folks is the Bible's accounts of miracles. Many non-believers and Liberal theologians doubt the veracity and inspiration of the Biblical record because the Bible recounts various miracles.
What is a miracle? According to the Bible, a miracle is an event or activity only God can perform. It involves the direct and decisive action of God. This action usually supersedes one or more natural laws. Miracles defy behavioral expectations [such as the plague of frogs] or natural laws [Jesus' walking on the water]. Miracles testify to the supernatural work of God. Miracles demonstrate God's mastery over the physical universe and His interest in the lives of individuals and groups.
The incredible nature of some of these recorded miracles leads some people to reject the Bible. However, these miracles are actual historical events. Although these occurrences may appear fantastic and almost unbelievably extraordinary to man's limited intellect, God's omnipotence is not limited by man's understanding. God designed miracles so that men might know the power of the Lord (Thomson, Chain Reference, pt. 2360).
Why miracles?
God had established natural laws [such as gravity] to demonstrate His constancy and faithfulness (Gen. 8:22). However, God interrupts His own natural order to reveal unique insights about Himself (Jn. 10:25,38, Is. 41:17-20, Jn. 20:30-31). The miracles of Moses and Aaron demonstrated God's ability and sovereign power over the forces of nature (Ex. 4:3,9; 7:19-20: 10:22-23) and His superiority over all demonic forces (Ex. 7:10-k2, 8:18. 9:10-11). God moved miraculously to punish the unrighteous and to cause men to fear God (Ex. 12:29-33, Gen. 19:24-26, 1 Ki. 13:4-6). God also used miracles to teach the children of Israel of His loving watch-care over them (Ex. 14:26-29; 15:24-26). This loving concern was not only for the nation as a whole (Ex. 17:6) but also for individuals, from the king (2 Ki. 20: 7-11) down to the lowliest widow in Israel (1 Ki. ;7:13-16).
When Jesus began to minister, Jesus demonstrated miracles to demonstrate His righteousness and holiness. However, Jesus also revealed that His love and concern for humanity is both practical and spiritual by feeding the multitude (Mt. 14:15-21, 15:33-38).
Finally, miracles serve as testimony that what the speaker says is true (Jn. 10:25). Jesus told the people to believe Him since He did "the works of My Father, believe the works:' (Jn. 10:37-38). Jesus also declared that miracles would help people believe the gospel message and identify faithful ministers of the Gospel.
For these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues,… take up serpents;., if they drink any deadly things, it shall not hurt them they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. [Mark 16:17-18].
Thus, miracles are practical. Miracles can reveal both God's supernatural power and His loving character.
Miracles are not a mythic addition to the Bible but a vital teaching aid in God's revelation to man. While the miracles of the Bible" (CI, P. 51) violate natural law, they are the record of actual historical events. These events result from God's interest and His intervention in His creation.
Thus, miracles are shown to have taught men in a very practical manner. Miracles can reveal God's supernatural power and His loving character. Miracles are not a mythic addition to the Bible but a vital teaching aid in God's revelation to man.
