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Fundamentals: Miracles

First principles study

Fundamentals: Miracles

First Principles

MIRACLES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

The term "miracle" is used rather loosely today. In the Bible a miracle was something beyond natural occurrence. By definition, the word translated miracle "is used of works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means...." (Vine's, III:75).

In Bible terms, a miracle is the supernatural intervention of divine power into the natural world (cf. John 6:19; 11:39, 43-44). So for example, while the birth of a child is a marvelous wonder, it is not, by Biblical standards, a miracle. A failure properly define what is meant by "miracle" causes religious confusion over miracles. Clear Bible facts will eliminate this confusion.

SIGNS, WONDERS AND POWERS--(Acts 2:22; Hebrews 2:4)

  • SIGNS: Their design was to reveal the presence of God - John 3:1-2; 9:32-33.
  • WONDERS: Their nature was to attract the attention of men, to cause astonishment - Acts 3:9-11.
  • POWERS: Their origin was God - Acts 10:38; 3:12, 16.

WHY WERE MIRACLES PERFORMED?

  • Produce belief that Jesus is the Christ - John 20:30-31; 5:36; 10:25, 38; 11:42; Matthew 11:2-6.
  • Reveal the gospel to Christ's apostles and prophets - John 16:13; Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:3-5.
  • Divine confirmation of the gospel message - Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:2-4.

WHO PERFORMED MIRACLES?

  • Jesus Christ - Matthew 4:23-24; Acts 2:22; 10:38.
  • Those to whom Jesus gave the power - Matthew 10:1; Luke 10:1, 9, 17.
  • The Apostles Of Christ - 2 Corinthians 12:12. (Baptized with the Holy Spirit - Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5, 8; 2:1-4).
  • Christians On Whom An Apostle Laid His Hands To Impart Spiritual Gifts - Acts 8:14-18; 19:6; 2 Timothy 1:6.

HOW LONG DID MIRACLES LAST?

  • Until the death of those who had the power to work them. (The means of imparting miraculous spiritual gifts ceased when the apostles died.)
  • Until their purpose was fulfilled -- When the gospel was completely revealed and confirmed - 1 Corinthians 13:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
  • Miracles served their purpose and came to an end with the completion of God's revelation, the New Testament (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Divine miracles are recorded in the Bible for our benefit. Through them our faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened and our confidence in the authenticity of the scriptures is secure.
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