Question:
Have miracles ceased on earth?
Answer:
The term “miracle” is defined by Vine’s as “power,
inherent ability, is used of works of a supernatural origin and
character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means.”
Comprehending the definition of this Biblical term is one of the first
steps to answering our question. Often, people will claim an event is a
“miracle” when it has been brought about by “natural agents and means.”
An individual recovering from a life-threatening illness after being
treated by doctors and medicine may defy the odds but it is not a
miracle. People, both religious and non-religious have recovered from
like illnesses through medicinal processes.
Both Christians and non-Christians alike tend to use the term “miracle”
loosely. People apply it to survivors of accidents and natural
disasters. Others might think finding the love of their life is a
“miracle.” Some folks thought the White Sox winning the World Series was
a miracle!
Unfortunately, this usage tends to make us forget the true nature of a
“miracle.” It has nothing to do with luck, coincidence, or rare
occurrences. Miracles are of a “supernatural origin and character.”
Jesus miraculously changed water into wine (John 2:1-11). He healed the
nobleman’s son from a distance, without the use of any medicinal means
(John 4:46-54). The supernatural power of Jesus aided Him in healing a
man who had been bed-ridden for 38 years (John 5:1-9). Five thousand
people were fed as Jesus miraculously multiplied the five loaves and two
fishes of a young lad (John 6:1-14). His power over the natural law of
gravity was evidenced as He walked on water (John 6:16-21). Jesus
enabled a man born blind to see long before the days of optical laser
surgery (John 9:1-12). As He raised Lazarus He proved He even had power
over death (John 11:1-46).
The apostles also had certain limited spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians
12:7-11). The revelation of truth was a gift Jesus had promised His
disciples (John 16:13). To verify their preaching, the apostles often
accompanied their message with miracles—such as speaking in languages
they had never learned, raising the lame man and restoring life to a
deceased saint (Acts 2:4; 3:1-10; 9:36-42).
Yet, all of these miracles were for a purpose. Mark tells us of that
purpose saying the disciples were, “confirming the word through the
accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20). John tells us his gospel was
written, along with the miracles of Jesus so, “...that you might
believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God…” (20:30,31).
Since the revealed word has been confirmed and we can “look into the
perfect law of liberty” and be “blessed,” miracles have
ceased (James 1:25). Instead, we are to be guided by love. “Love
never fails. But...prophecies, they will fail;...tongues, they will
cease;...knowledge, it will vanish away…” (1 Cor. 13:8-12). God’s
eternal and perfect word has recorded and replaced the temporal
spiritual gifts (Heb. 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25).
December 2005