The question of whether miracles still happen today is one that has intrigued and inspired countless believers and seekers alike. To answer this question from a biblical perspective, it is essential to explore the nature of miracles as depicted in the Scriptures, their purpose, and the theological implications of their occurrence in contemporary times.
In the Bible, miracles are extraordinary events that transcend natural laws, performed by God or through individuals empowered by Him, to reveal His power, affirm His message, and accomplish His purposes. The Old and New Testaments are replete with accounts of miraculous events. From the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) to the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:5-6), these miracles serve as tangible evidence of God's intervention in human history.
Theologically, miracles in the Bible serve several key purposes. First, they authenticate the messenger and the message. For instance, in the Old Testament, miracles performed by Moses, such as the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7-12), validated his divine commission to lead the Israelites out of bondage. Similarly, in the New Testament, the miracles of Jesus and the apostles confirmed their divine authority and the truth of the Gospel they proclaimed. Hebrews 2:3-4 underscores this by stating, "This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will."
Second, miracles demonstrate God's compassion and care for His people. Jesus' healing of the sick, feeding of the multitudes, and raising of the dead are profound expressions of His love and mercy. These acts of compassion are not merely demonstrations of power; they reveal the heart of God towards humanity.
Third, miracles serve as a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God. They provide glimpses of the restoration and renewal that will be fully realized in the eschatological future. The healing miracles of Jesus, for example, point to a time when there will be no more sickness, pain, or death (Revelation 21:4).
Given this understanding of miracles, the question arises: Do miracles still happen today? To address this, it is important to consider several biblical and theological perspectives.
First, the Bible does not explicitly state that miracles would cease after the apostolic age. While some theologians, particularly cessationists, argue that the miraculous gifts of the Spirit were specific to the apostolic era and are no longer operative, this view is not universally accepted. Continuationists, on the other hand, believe that the gifts of the Spirit, including miracles, continue to be available to the church today. They point to passages such as 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, where Paul lists the gifts of the Spirit, including miracles, and suggests that these gifts are given for the common good of the church.
Moreover, the Great Commission in Mark 16:17-18 includes the promise that miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." While there is debate over the authenticity of this passage, it reflects an expectation of ongoing miraculous activity among believers.
Historical and contemporary accounts of miracles also provide compelling evidence for their continued occurrence. Throughout church history, there have been numerous reports of miraculous healings, deliverances, and other extraordinary events. For instance, the early church fathers, such as Irenaeus and Augustine, documented instances of miracles in their writings. In more recent times, there are well-documented cases of miraculous healings and other supernatural occurrences in various parts of the world, particularly in regions experiencing significant spiritual revival.
However, it is crucial to approach contemporary claims of miracles with discernment. The Bible warns against false prophets and counterfeit miracles (Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). Therefore, any claim of a miracle must be carefully evaluated in light of Scripture and the fruit it produces. True miracles will glorify God, align with biblical truth, and result in genuine transformation and edification of the church.
Additionally, it is important to recognize that the absence of a miraculous event does not indicate a lack of God's presence or activity. God works in diverse ways, often through ordinary means and natural processes. The providential workings of God in daily life, though not classified as miracles, are no less significant. As the apostle Paul reminds us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Furthermore, the ultimate miracle of the Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the new life available through Him. The transformative power of the Gospel, which brings spiritual rebirth and reconciliation with God, is the greatest miracle of all. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
In conclusion, while the Bible does not provide a definitive answer on the cessation or continuation of miracles, there is substantial biblical and historical evidence to support the belief that miracles can and do occur today. They serve as manifestations of God's power, love, and the in-breaking of His Kingdom. However, believers are called to exercise discernment and to recognize that God's work is not limited to the miraculous. The ordinary and the extraordinary are both arenas of His divine activity, and the greatest miracle remains the redemptive work of Christ in the hearts and lives of His people.
