Please Help Us Keep These Thousands of Blog Posts Growing and Free for All

$5.00

Introduction

Miracles, as traditionally understood, are events that appear to defy the known laws of nature, attributed to a divine or supernatural cause. They hold a significant place in Christian theology and serve as a testament to God’s power and presence. However, the modern age, marked by scientific advancement and philosophical naturalism, often challenges the possibility of miracles. This section addresses common objections to the reality of miracles, offering a robust defense grounded in a conservative evangelical perspective.

The Nature of Miracles

A miracle is defined as an event that surpasses all known human and natural powers and is generally attributed to a supernatural power. This definition immediately sets miracles apart from ordinary experiences and places them within the realm of the divine. As Richard Dawkins, a prominent atheist, argues, “Miracles, by definition, violate the principles of science.” In contrast, Robert A. Larmer, a professor of philosophy, contends, “Belief in miracles is entirely rational. Far from being an embarrassment to religious faith, they are signs of God’s love for, and continuing involvement in, creation.”

Philosophical Naturalism and Its Limitations

One of the main objections to the possibility of miracles comes from philosophical naturalism, which posits that everything arises from natural properties and causes, excluding any supernatural intervention. Naturalists argue that because miracles violate natural laws, they are inherently impossible. Thomas W. Clark from the Center for Naturalism asserts, “For a philosophical and scientific naturalist such as myself, the traditional Christian god is ruled out simply because the existence of the supernatural in general is ruled out.”

However, this objection is fundamentally flawed as it presupposes the non-existence of the supernatural without considering evidence to the contrary. Naturalism is a philosophical stance, not an empirical fact. It assumes that all phenomena must have natural explanations, thus dismissing the possibility of miracles a priori. From a theistic perspective, natural laws describe regular occurrences in the natural world but do not preclude supernatural interventions by a transcendent God.

The Coherence of Theistic Belief

Belief in miracles is coherent within a theistic worldview. If God exists as the creator and sustainer of the universe, He is not bound by the natural laws He established. As Isaiah 40:13 states, “Who has directed the Spirit of Jehovah, or as his counselor has informed him?” (UASV). This underscores the sovereignty and omnipotence of God, who can act within His creation in ways that transcend human understanding.

Historical and Biblical Evidence for Miracles

The Bible provides numerous accounts of miracles, which serve as divine attestations of God’s power and purpose. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith and the most significant miracle recorded in Scripture. The historical evidence for the resurrection includes the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, and the transformation of the disciples. These events are well-documented and supported by multiple sources, making the resurrection a credible historical event.

Moreover, the miracles performed by Jesus and the apostles were witnessed by many and recorded with remarkable consistency. For example, Luke 7:11-16 recounts Jesus raising a dead youth to life, an event that elicited awe and led people to proclaim, “A great prophet has arisen among us and God has turned his face towards his people.”

Addressing Hume’s Skepticism

David Hume, an 18th-century philosopher, is one of the most prominent skeptics of miracles. He argued that miracles are violations of the laws of nature and, as such, are highly improbable. Hume stated, “A miracle is a violation of the laws of nature; and as a firm and unalterable experience has established these laws, the proof against a miracle, from the very nature of the fact, is as entire as any argument from experience can possibly be imagined.”

Hume’s argument, however, is circular. He presumes that the laws of nature are inviolable based on “firm and unalterable experience,” which excludes the possibility of miracles by definition. This reasoning fails to consider that the occurrence of a genuine miracle would be an extraordinary event that naturally falls outside regular experience.

The Role of Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness testimony plays a crucial role in substantiating the reality of miracles. The New Testament accounts of Jesus’ miracles and resurrection are based on the testimonies of those who directly witnessed these events. The apostle Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, where he lists multiple appearances of the resurrected Christ to various individuals and groups, including over five hundred brethren at one time.

The reliability of these testimonies is further supported by the willingness of the witnesses to endure persecution and martyrdom for their beliefs. This steadfastness suggests that they genuinely experienced what they proclaimed, as few would willingly suffer and die for a known falsehood.

Modern Miracles and Their Evidential Value

While some argue that miracles ceased with the apostolic age, there are numerous contemporary accounts of miraculous events. These modern miracles, often associated with healings, visions, and other supernatural occurrences, continue to provide evidence of God’s active involvement in the world. For example, reports of miraculous healings, where individuals recover from medically incurable conditions, offer compelling instances of divine intervention.

Critics may dismiss these accounts as anecdotal or psychologically induced, but the sheer volume and consistency of such reports across different cultures and contexts lend them credence. Moreover, many of these events are documented with medical evidence, further supporting their authenticity.

The Purpose and Significance of Miracles

Miracles serve specific purposes within the Christian faith. They authenticate the messenger and the message, demonstrating God’s approval and authority. In Acts 2:22, Peter declares, “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). This underscores the role of miracles in validating Jesus’ divine mission.

Furthermore, miracles provide tangible evidence of God’s power and compassion. They reveal God’s character and His desire to interact with and bless His creation. Miracles also serve to strengthen the faith of believers and challenge the skepticism of non-believers.

Overcoming Skeptical Objections

To address the skepticism surrounding miracles, it is essential to highlight the philosophical biases inherent in naturalism and to present the robust historical and contemporary evidence for miraculous events. Engaging with skeptics requires a thoughtful and reasoned approach that respects their concerns while confidently affirming the reality of divine intervention.

One effective strategy is to emphasize the coherence of theistic belief and the limitations of naturalistic explanations. By demonstrating that miracles are not only possible but also credible within a theistic framework, Christians can provide a compelling case for the reality of miracles.

The Rationality of Belief in Miracles

Belief in 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 naturalism and affirm the reality of the supernatural. By understanding and addressing common objections, believers can confidently uphold the truth of miracles and their significance in the divine narrative. [See the Excursion Below for the CPH View]

About the Author

Alfred Ernest Garvie was a Congregational minister and seminary professor. He is the author of The Ritschlian Theology and A Handbook of Christian Apologetics.

EXCURSION—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.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).