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Can you comment on miracles?


Introduction. Dunamis is one Greek word which is translated miracle. It is defined as "Inherent ability, ..used of works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means" (W.E. Vine). A Biblical miracle involved the suspension or relaxing of physical, natural laws and the enacting of supernatural forces. True miracles were contrary to, outside of, and above nature. A miracle is physically and naturally impossible.

Biblical miracles were unquestioned. The miracles of the Bible were indeed extraordinary. The raising of Lazarus from the dead was unchallenged, even by Jesus' enemies (John 11: 47 ff). The Pharisees admitted, "...What do we? for this man doeth many miracles." Lazarus was obviously dead (vss. 17, 12, 31), decay had begun (vs. 39), and there were many witnesses to the miracle (vss. 45-57).

Miracles confirmed the spoken word. The apostles did not have the New Testament to prove their teaching. Hence, Jesus told them, "...confirming the word with signs following" (Mk. 16: 20, Heb. 2: 4). Miracles were never viewed as the end or object, they served to verify what was taught (Cf. Acts 2).

Miracles were of limited duration. Prophesies, tongues, and miraculous knowledge were to fail, cease, and vanish away, according to the apostle Paul (1 Cor. 13: 8). The miraculous was to end when the "perfect thing" came. The incomplete (involving miracles) would not be needed when the perfect came (I Cor. 13: 8-10). We have the perfect, complete word of God and the "perfect law of liberty" (2 Tim. 3: 16,17, Jas. 1: 25). Paul said there would be "lying wonders" (2 Thes. 2: 9). The dead are not being raised today. The miracles of Bible times continue, however, to produce faith (John 20: 30, 31).
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