BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?
by Dave Brown

All bible-believers recognize that God can do anything righteous (Gen. 1:1), and that Jesus, the apostles, and the first century prophets performed legitimate miracles.

Today almost any strange events is called a miracle. Not confined to the charismatics, a daily "moment of miracles" program on a Birmingham (Alabama) religious station demonstrates that those in most mainstream denominations think that such things as disease regressions and escapes from accidents are miracles. They seem to believe that these events correspond to those recorded in the New Testament in their ability to prove their doctrines and practices. (Otherwise, why testify to it?)

An in-depth study of the word miracle as used in the New Testament reveals that there were three words used: (1) dunamis -- overwhelming power above and beyond coincidence or natural occurrence (Mk. 9:39; Acts 2:22; 19:11; 1 Cor. 12:10, 28-29; Gal. 3:5; Heb. 2:4); (2) semeion -- a clear sign pointing to something unclear (Lk. 23:8; Jn. 2:11; 3:2; 4:54; 6:2,14,26; 7:31; 9:16; 10;41; 11:47; 12:18,37; Acts 4:16,22; 6:8: 8:6; 15:12; Rev. 13:14; 16:14; 19:20); and (3) teras -- wonder, something unexplainable by natural means (Mt. 24:24; Mk. 13:22; Jn. 4:48; Acts 2:19,22,43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 7:36; 14:3; 15:12; Rom. 15:19; 2 Cor. 12:12, 2 Thes. 2:9; Heb. 2:4).

Read these scriptures and all other references to miracles, taking note of the particular miraculous event described. These show that bible miracles were absolutely nothing like the self-serving spectacles or coincidences which are called miracles today. If one of them did qualify, it would be so obvious that no one would be able to question it (see Acts 4:16).

The scriptures state that miracles would cease once the word was fully delivered (e.g., Zech. 13:1-2; Heb. 2: 2-4; 1 Cor. 13:9-10; etc.). But the scriptures were never intended to prove or disprove the occurrence of miracles. It's the other way around: if God were delivering new revelation now, there would be miracles to confirm it -- undeniable signs, powers and wonders just like those recorded in the New Testament.

All who believe that the miracles described in the New Testament did occur cannot possibly believe that the feeble claims today are legitimate miracles. There is no further revelation today (Jude 3; Rev. 28:18-19). None dare claim to add to the perfect word delivered to us about 2000 years ago. Instead, the "miracle workers" will deride it saying that "an experience is worth a thousand scriptures."

We dare not be deceived (2 Cor. 11:13-14; 2 Thes. 2:9-10), for today our salvation depends upon our obedience to the scriptures (Jn. 20:30-31; Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3: 16-17).