It is challenging to describe a miracle, especially given the current context.
Miracles are rare in the modern world, as they are defined as supernatural or highly unusual events. In a biblical context, miracles are seen as God's unique actions that go beyond natural laws and involve divine intervention. Christians hold to this belief and have faith in miracles. It is important to explore the historical aspect of miracles and their relevance in today's society.
Believing in the historical reality of biblical miracles is crucial for the validity of Christianity, as they are presented as actual events. Some theologians and individuals argue that verifying miracles such as the virgin birth, resurrection of the dead, and walking on water is impossible because they do not occur in modern times. This argument suggests that biblical miracles cannot be proven from a historical standpoint. Crit
...ics have countered this by pointing out its dependence on special pleading and assumption of a naturalistic bias (Geisler 1992:82). However, despite these criticisms, Christians maintain their belief in the authentic occurrence of biblical miracles.
According to Geiser (1988:24), Christians believe that the Bible reveals God's involvement in world history and holds the belief that "When God acts in history, He leaves behind His fingerprints." By studying the biblical narrative, we can identify these distinct qualities that indicate God's presence. One remarkable example of God's power is evident when He brings the dead back to life. Notably, the most significant event documented in the Bible is Jesus Christ's resurrection from death.
The central aspect of Christianity is the bond we have with God, which is discussed in Romans 10:9-10. Throughout the Bible, there are several accounts of divine
intervention, including instances like 1 Kings 17:22, John 11:43-44, 2 Kings 4:33-34, and Matthew 27:52. These miracles serve as evidence of God's extraordinary existence and showcase His authority over life and death. Furthermore, God's control over nature (excluding humans) establishes Him as a supernatural being.
The accounts of Moses and Jesus exemplify God's power, particularly in relation to healing. Today, the subject of healing holds significance, but for it to be comparable to the miracles described in the Bible, it must encompass a wide range of illnesses. God's power extends to all types of diseases. Several key traits help us identify the presence of God: miracles consistently yield successful outcomes; they happen instantaneously; there are no occurrences of relapse following a miracle; and miracles serve as validation of God's messenger. The foundation of ancient history relies on documents, witnesses, and firsthand knowledge.
The quality of the New Testament, as a historical document, surpasses that of any other book of antiquity. It possesses a greater number of manuscript copies that are earlier in date and superior in quality. Furthermore, its witnesses are remarkably capable and honest compared to those in any other ancient event. These historical occurrences are established, but do they continue to take place in the contemporary world? Modern scientists express skepticism towards miracles, asserting that they are exclusive to singular events whereas science pertains exclusively to regular phenomena. However, it is contradictory for some scientists to uphold the belief in the Big Bang theory, which itself was a one-time occurrence.
All scientists believe in evolution, which occurred only once and many reject the notion of the supernatural in science. However, scientific evidence supports a supernatural origin
for the world. Therefore, if a supernatural cause exists, then supernatural events are also plausible.
If God exists, scientific evidence suggests that the creation miracle has already happened. Believing in God also implies the possibility of other miracles. C.S. Lewis, an atheist turned believer, argued that acknowledging God's existence should include recognizing the potential for miracles. He said, "If we accept the existence of God, then shouldn't we also accept the possibility of miracles? In reality, there is no guarantee against it. That's the agreement" (Lewis in Geisler 1988:128).
The new creation is causing people to perform numerous miracles as they are used by God. The Bible states that when a person is in Christ, they experience a change and become a new creation, abandoning their former self and embracing the new (2 Corinthians 5:17). The miracle of salvation is likened to the incredible act of creation (2 Corinthians 4:6). Each day, miraculous conversions occur in various places worldwide.
God heals the sick through various means, including the bodily processes He has designed and by inspiring positive attitudes within us. Additionally, God provides our health and intervenes in response to prayer. It is important to note that miracles have not been disproven or deemed implausible. They have not been labeled as unscientific or impossible to identify. Rather, biblical miracles are historical events rather than mythological tales. Miracles are integral to Christianity and can be defined.
Although miracles are uncommon, they are not against the laws of nature. According to Geiser (1982:135), if God exists, then miracles can occur because He has control over the world, and they can be described based on His qualities demonstrated in the world. In
a universe with belief in a higher power, miracles can be recognized, and the Bible gives us guidelines for identifying them. The resurrection of Christ exemplifies these guidelines. Therefore, miracles are both possible and real.
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