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Modes of Obtaining Knowledge

Humanity is capable of acquiring knowledge and arriving at the truth through two primary means: experience and observation. Learning through personal experience is often slow and costly, whereas learning through the observation or experience of others is quicker and more economical. Wise individuals utilize both methods. Moreover, two approaches enable a person to attain knowledge: the exercise of human faculties—such as observation, intuition, reflection, reason, and judgment—and direct supernatural communication from Jehovah, revealing facts unattainable by human intellect alone. The Scriptures claim to have originated from such divine communications. Two crucial facts must be kept in mind: the Scriptures claim that their communication is from Jehovah, and they assert that humans recorded this divine communication. Thus, while the recording was human, the communication was divine. With the authenticity and inspiration of both the Old and New Testaments established, we can now examine their contents.

Miracles as Credentials

The church teaches that the claims made in the Scriptures are true and divinely authoritative. One significant feature of these Scriptures is that they profess to reveal a divinely-revealed religion meant for the betterment of humanity and the glory of Jehovah. This religious system is known as Christianity. From the beginning to the end of the Old Testament, there are references to an ambassador sent by Jehovah to redeem Israel. The New Testament consistently and grandly refers to Jesus Christ as the Savior and Teacher sent by Jehovah, about whom “Moses in the law, and the prophets did write” as “Jesus the Son of God.” Jesus persistently appealed to the miracles He performed as evidence of His divine commission. He presented His works as His credentials from the court of Heaven, proving His divine ambassadorship. He declared, “The works that I do” as His constant appeal, and when John’s disciples inquired, Jesus said, “Go your way and tell John, … the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up.”

These miracles were superhuman acts, outside the natural course of things, and are a vital part of both the Old and New Testament records.

Definition of a Miracle

A miracle, as understood in the biblical context, is an extraordinary event that surpasses natural laws, indicating divine intervention. Miracles are distinct from natural occurrences, being superhuman acts that demonstrate Jehovah’s direct involvement. The purpose of miracles is not to satisfy curiosity or serve selfish interests but to benefit others and authenticate divine messengers.

Distinguishing Miracles from Extraordinary Natural Occurrences

It is crucial to distinguish true miracles from extraordinary occurrences that are midway between miracles and ordinary natural events. Failure to make this distinction has sometimes provided skeptics with arguments against miracles. While miracles are sparse throughout the Scriptures, they are sufficient to achieve their intended purpose. Jesus, in His life, performed miracles to help others, not to serve Himself, even when faced with hunger, thirst, enemies, betrayal, and crucifixion. Events like His post-resurrection appearances and His escape from the multitude at Nazareth are sometimes mistakenly categorized as miracles. However, true miracles, such as His resurrection and the opening of the eyes of the blind, are clear and unequivocal.

Credibility of Miracles

Those who claimed to have a divine commission in the Scriptures always appealed to their miracles as sufficient evidence. Moses did so at the court of Pharaoh, Elijah on Mount Carmel, and Jesus Christ, who also empowered His disciples to perform miracles. These acts were not performed to satisfy curiosity or gain personal advantage but to demonstrate divine authority and beneficence.

Evaluating Historical Arguments Against Miracles

Critics like David Hume argued against the credibility of miracles, suggesting that they are inherently unbelievable. However, his argument is based on the false premise that all alleged miracles are equally credible and ignores the unique nature and reliable witnesses of biblical miracles. The principle of uniformity, used to reject miracles, assumes all events are naturally explainable, which is contrary to rational and scientific thought. Miracles do not violate natural laws but are extraordinary events caused by Jehovah’s direct intervention, which empirical science does not account for.

The Purpose and Impact of Miracles

Miracles were performed to validate the divine mission of Jesus and His apostles, proving their heavenly commission. The resurrection of Jesus, in particular, is a foundational miracle that validates His divine nature and the promise of eternal life. The consistent and public nature of miracles, witnessed by diverse audiences and critically examined through generations, attests to their credibility. The disciples and apostles performed miracles openly, and their authenticity was recognized by both friends and foes.

Apostolic Miracles

The apostles claimed and demonstrated the power to perform miracles, which they received from Jesus. They healed the sick, raised the dead, and performed other miraculous acts in the presence of many witnesses. Their willingness to suffer and die for their faith, without ever recanting their testimony, further supports the truth of their miraculous works. Critics of Christianity, such as Celsus and Porphyry, acknowledged the miracles but attributed them to magic, not denying their reality.

In conclusion, the miracles recorded in the Scriptures were public, verifiable events that provided irrefutable evidence of the divine commission of Jesus and His apostles. Their credibility is supported by the testimony of both believers and skeptics, and their purpose was to affirm the truth of Jehovah’s message to humanity.

Article by Christian Publishing House

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