Miracles

A BIBLE MIRACLE is a SUPERNATURAL event where NATURAL law is temporarily suspended. The difference between supernatural (miracles) and natural law (without miracles) is apparent when CREATION is contrasted with PROCREATION; though God initially made everything through miracles, subsequent generations of plant, animal and human life are the result of natural law (without miracles). To further illustrate, the so-called "miracle of birth," though awesome, is a NATURAL rather than a SUPERNATURAL phenomenon; therefore, BIRTH ordinarily does not qualify as a Bible miracle. However, the birth of Jesus Christ truly did involve a miracle in order for His virgin mother to conceive (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-37).

The Bible is rich with references to miracles; Mark 16:17-18 and 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 each list types of miracles that are recorded in the New Testament. The PURPOSE of New Testament miracles was to: (1) identify the Messiah and instill belief in Him (John 20:30-31); (2) provide a means by which man could receive new revelation from God (1 Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 10:20-21); and (3) confirm revelation to be God's Word (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4).

The purpose of miracles has been fulfilled; and this fulfillment resulted in the collection and preservation of the New Testament. Today, the New Testament: (1) identifies the Messiah and instills belief in Him; and (2) provides a complete revelation of God's will for man in this age; miracles, then, are no longer necessary. Additionally, Scripture foretold that the partial revelations received by miracles would be replaced with permanent, "perfect" revelation (we call it the New Testament) (1 Corinthians 13:8-13; James 1:25; Ephesians 4:11-13). Finally, with only little reflection anyone can easily discern that no Bible miracles are occurring now.