Introduction to Modern-Day Miracles

Miracles, defined as events that surpass all known human and natural powers and are generally attributed to a supernatural cause, have always been a significant aspect of the Christian faith. While many people today remain skeptical about the possibility of miracles, it is crucial to understand their nature, purpose, and the evidence supporting their occurrence in modern times. This chapter aims to address these aspects from a conservative evangelical perspective, upholding the belief in the reality of miracles both in biblical times and today.

The Nature and Purpose of Miracles

Miracles in the Bible were not arbitrary acts but served specific purposes. They authenticated the messenger and the message, demonstrating God’s power and authority. For example, Jesus’ miracles validated His divine identity and mission, as stated in Acts 2:22, “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves know” (UASV). Similarly, the miracles performed by the apostles confirmed their authority and the truth of their message, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:12, “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works” (UASV).

Contemporary Accounts of Miracles

In modern times, there are numerous accounts of miracles, ranging from miraculous healings to extraordinary providences. These accounts, though often met with skepticism, provide ongoing testimony to God’s active presence in the world. For instance, reports of miraculous healings where individuals recover from medically incurable conditions offer compelling evidence of divine intervention. Such cases are often documented with medical evidence, further supporting their authenticity.

One contemporary account involves a woman named Barbara Snyder, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and was bedridden for many years. In 1981, after a church service where her friends and family prayed for her healing, she suddenly stood up and walked, completely healed. Her doctors, who had documented her condition extensively, were astounded. This case, and many others like it, challenge the naturalistic assumptions that dismiss the possibility of miracles.

Skeptical Objections and Responses

Critics often argue that miracles are impossible because they violate natural laws. This objection is rooted in a naturalistic worldview that denies the possibility of supernatural intervention. However, from a theistic perspective, natural laws describe regular occurrences within the created order but do not preclude the actions of a transcendent God. As the Creator, God is not bound by these laws and can intervene in His creation as He wills.

Moreover, the presence of fraudulent miracles does not negate the reality of genuine ones. While it is true that some individuals have exploited people’s faith for personal gain, this does not mean all miracle claims are false. Just as the existence of counterfeit money does not invalidate real currency, fraudulent miracles do not disprove genuine divine interventions.

The Role of Faith in Miracles

Faith plays a crucial role in the occurrence of miracles. Jesus often emphasized the necessity of faith for miracles to occur. In Matthew 9:22, Jesus tells the woman healed of her bleeding, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well” (UASV). This indicates that while miracles are acts of God, human faith is a significant factor in their manifestation.

Furthermore, the early Church witnessed numerous miracles, which played a vital role in the spread of the Gospel. The book of Acts records many miraculous events, such as the healing of a lame man by Peter and John (Acts 3:1-10) and the raising of Tabitha from the dead by Peter (Acts 9:36-42). These miracles were not only signs of God’s power but also means of confirming the apostles’ message and authority.

Modern Miracles and Their Significance

Modern miracles continue to play a vital role in the life of believers. They serve as reminders of God’s power and presence, providing comfort and encouragement in times of need. While not every prayer results in a miraculous intervention, the possibility of miracles reflects God’s ongoing care and sovereignty over creation.

In some parts of the world, particularly where the Gospel is being introduced for the first time, there are numerous reports of miraculous events. For example, in areas with little or no Christian presence, people have reported dreams and visions of Jesus, leading them to faith in Christ. These accounts often occur in contexts where traditional missionary efforts are challenging, suggesting that God is using extraordinary means to reach people with the Gospel.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

One common misconception is that miracles only occurred in times of ignorance and superstition. This view assumes that as scientific understanding increases, the belief in miracles will diminish. However, this assumption overlooks the philosophical and theological dimensions of miracles. Science can describe natural processes but cannot address the question of supernatural intervention. As such, the belief in miracles is not contrary to scientific knowledge but transcends it, affirming that there is more to reality than what science can explain.

Embracing the Reality of Modern Miracles

Belief in modern miracles is rational and well-supported by historical, biblical, and contemporary evidence. Miracles are integral to the Christian faith, serving as signs of God’s power and presence. They challenge the limitations of naturalistic assumptions and affirm the reality of the supernatural. By understanding and appreciating the role of miracles, believers can deepen their faith and enhance their witness to the world. [See the Excursion Below for the CPH View]

About the Author

EXCURSION 1—Why No Miracles Today?

Sometimes people ask, “Why don’t we see miracles like those in the Bible today?” The answer is that miracles served a specific purpose in the past, but now God expects us to live by faith (Habakkuk 2:2-4; Hebrews 10:37-39).

In Moses’ time, miracles were performed to establish his authority. They demonstrated that Jehovah was working through him and that the Law covenant was of divine origin, marking the Israelites as God’s chosen people (Exodus 4:1-9, 30, 31; Deuteronomy 4:33, 34).

In the first century, miracles helped to confirm Jesus’ identity and the legitimacy of the early Christian congregation. They showed that Jesus was the promised Messiah and that after his death, the Christian congregation replaced fleshly Israel as God’s special people, making the Law of Moses no longer binding (Acts 19:11-20; Hebrews 2:3, 4).

After the apostles’ time, the need for miracles diminished. The apostle Paul explained: “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears” (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).

Today, we have the complete Bible, which contains all of God’s revelations and guidance. We also have the fulfillment of prophecies and a deeper understanding of God’s purposes. Therefore, there is no longer a need for miracles. However, the same God who performed miracles still exists and continues to produce results that strongly demonstrate divine power.

EXCURSION 2—Miraculous Rescues: A Closer Look

The River Rescue

In a small Austrian village, a four-year-old boy was playing near a riverbank. As children often do, he ventured too close to the edge and slipped into the fast-moving current. Unable to swim, the boy was quickly swept away and began to drown. By sheer chance, a priest happened to be walking along the riverbank at that exact moment. Hearing the boy’s desperate cries for help, the priest didn’t hesitate. He jumped into the river, swam to the struggling child, and pulled him to safety. The boy’s life was saved thanks to the timely intervention of this brave priest.

The War’s End

Fast forward to the end of World War I. A young soldier, visibly distraught and disheartened, was walking alone down a deserted road. The war was essentially over, and the atmosphere was heavy with the silence of impending peace. This young soldier walked past a bunker where enemy troops were stationed. The soldiers inside the bunker noticed him and took aim with their rifles, ready to shoot. However, after a brief discussion, they decided not to pull the trigger. “The war is over,” they reasoned. “Why take another life?” And so, the young soldier walked on, his life spared by their decision.

The Revelation

If these two accounts were captured on video and shown to a group of devout Christians, many would likely interpret them as miraculous interventions orchestrated by God. They might argue that God sent the priest to save the drowning boy and that divine providence moved the enemy soldiers to spare the young man’s life. Any skepticism would be met with accusations of denying God’s power and miracles.

However, what if these Christians were then informed that the four-year-old boy saved from drowning and the young soldier spared at the end of World War I were the same person: Adolf Hitler? The tone would undoubtedly shift. The same people who saw divine intervention in the priest’s rescue and the soldiers’ mercy might now question the interpretation of these events as miracles.

The Lesson

This scenario underscores a critical point: attributing events to divine intervention can be highly subjective and often influenced by selective perception. Christians, and people in general, may be quick to credit God with miracles, especially when the outcomes align with their beliefs or desires. However, the true nature of such events remains uncertain and open to interpretation. It is essential to approach claims of miracles with a balanced perspective, recognizing that our understanding is limited and that attributing every fortunate outcome to divine intervention can be misleading.

About the Author

SCROLL THROUGH THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES BELOW

BIBLE TRANSLATION AND TEXTUAL CRITICISM

BIBLICAL STUDIES / BIBLE BACKGROUND / HISTORY OF THE BIBLE/ INTERPRETATION

EARLY CHRISTIANITY

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY

CHRISTIAN APOLOGETIC EVANGELISM

TECHNOLOGY AND THE CHRISTIAN

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONALS

CHRISTIAN FICTION