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Are Miracles Possible?

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Are Miracles Possible?

So what about miracles? Are miracles only currently unexplained natural phenomena, or hoaxes? Or can it be that there really is such a thing as a miracle? And what does their reality, or lack thereof, say about the existence of God?

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Miracles Defined

First of all, just what is a miracle? The dictionary defines the term in multiple ways. “An effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause”. And “a wonder; marvel”. For the purposes of this article, it is safe to ignore the second dictionary definition and focus on some variation of the first. A miracle is the result of an action by God affecting the natural realm.  

Given that definition, a miracle may not even be noticed by us. Especially if it has the appearance of a natural event, like rainfall. Or the absence of some event, like an accident that was prevented. Those kinds of miracles are impossible for us to pick out with any certainty. And they are generally not identified as miracles by most people.  

More generally, we limit miracles to those things for which we have no explanation, apart from God’s action, and which are highly uncommon. The signs and wonders performed by Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament are examples of what many will identify as miracles.

Are Miracles Possible?

So are miracles possible? I believe the answer to this question is largely the same as your answer to the question of God’s existence. If you doubt the existence of God, then it is doubtful you would believe miracles are possible since there is no God to perform them. On the other hand, if you believe there is a God, who created the universe, then the thought of his interacting with his creation should not be that surprising.

Miracles as a Proof for God

On the surface, then, it would appear that miracles could be used as proof of the existence of God. And indeed, one of the terms used in the New Testament for miracles is signs. John 20:30-31 in particular demonstrates the use of that term and its purpose.

“Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

According to John, the purpose of the signs that he recorded was to point a person into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In fact, I believe that most miracles have a similar purpose; to point people to their creator. I don’t see God intervening in the world solely for my physical benefit. God is not like a vending machine where I can drop in a prayer and out pops a miracle. Finding a front-row parking spot in a crowded lot is not a miracle; it is a fortuitous circumstance.

Response to Prayer

I cannot recall seeing a miracle similar to what the gospel writers record God doing through Jesus. And so it is tempting to say I have never seen a miracle. But is that really the case? I am instructed to pray to God. A certain portion of that prayer is concerned with thanksgiving and praise.  

But prayer also includes asking for direction, provision, and forgiveness. And when I pray, at least when I pray appropriately, I am promised that God will respond. If God responds by helping me to understand his word, by bringing comfort to one in distress, or by healing one that the doctors have given up on, is that not a miracle as well?

The Skeptic’s Response to Miracles

Too often today, skeptics respond to talk of miracles in one of two ways. Either they will accept that something unusual has indeed occurred, but it only appears to be a miracle because we have not discovered the scientific explanation for it. Or that the miracle did not actually occur and is a hoax, a misunderstanding, or a coincidence.  

This is frequently followed up with a demand to see a miracle performed in a setting where it can be independently verified and validated; similar to the Pharisees of Jesus day (Matthew 12:38). Those men would not have been convinced if Jesus had levitated them 6 feet off the ground and then flew them over the Jordan river and dropped them on the other side. And the skeptics of today would be just as unconvinced.

Conclusion

For those who already believe in God, or who are receptive to that belief, miracles indeed are a sign pointing to God. But to those who have chosen not to believe, no miracle will likely be sufficient to convince them. I am convinced that much of what are called miracles today are not really miracles. But I am also convinced that God will intervene in this world, when appropriate, to point people toward him, and to respond to the prayer of his people.

Disclaimer

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

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