The question of why we don't see miracles today like in the times of the New Testament is one that has intrigued believers and skeptics alike for centuries. To address this question, we must delve into the nature of miracles, their purpose in the biblical narrative, and the theological perspectives that inform our understanding of God's actions in the world today.
In the New Testament, miracles served several distinct purposes. They were signs that authenticated the divine message and the messengers of God. For instance, in the Gospel of John, miracles are referred to as "signs" that reveal Jesus' divine identity and mission (John 2:11, 20:30-31). These miraculous acts were not just random displays of power; they were deeply symbolic and carried theological significance. For example, Jesus turning water into wine at Cana (John 2:1-11) was a sign of the new covenant and the transformative power of His ministry.
The apostles also performed miracles, which served to validate their authority and the truth of the Gospel they preached. Acts 2:43 states, "Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles." These miracles were pivotal in establishing the early church and spreading the message of Christ in a world that was often hostile to this new faith.
One reason we might not see miracles today as frequently or as dramatically as in the New Testament is that the foundational period of the church has already been established. The early church needed these signs to confirm the new revelation that was being given. Hebrews 2:3-4 suggests that God testified to the salvation message "by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will." Once the foundation was laid, the need for such frequent miraculous validation may have diminished.
Another consideration is the nature of faith. Jesus Himself addressed the issue of seeking signs and wonders as a basis for belief. In John 4:48, He said, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe." This statement suggests that reliance on miracles can sometimes undermine genuine faith, which is trust in God without the need for constant supernatural validation. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Therefore, a mature faith may not require the same level of miraculous intervention to sustain it.
From a theological perspective, it is also important to recognize that God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). The absence of visible miracles does not imply the absence of God's activity. God may choose to work in more subtle, yet equally profound ways. For example, the transformation of a person's heart, the reconciliation of broken relationships, and the provision of daily needs can all be seen as miracles of God's grace and providence. These quieter miracles may not capture headlines, but they are no less significant in the grand narrative of God's interaction with humanity.
Moreover, the perception of miracles can be influenced by cultural and historical contexts. In the modern, scientifically-oriented world, events that might have been perceived as miraculous in the past are often explained through naturalistic or medical explanations. This does not negate the possibility of divine intervention but rather reflects a shift in how we interpret and understand extraordinary events.
It is also worth noting that reports of miracles continue to emerge from various parts of the world, particularly in areas where the Gospel is spreading rapidly. In regions where the church is growing under persecution or in the midst of significant spiritual darkness, there are numerous accounts of miraculous healings, deliverances, and other supernatural occurrences. These modern-day miracles often resemble the New Testament accounts and serve similar purposes in validating the message of the Gospel and demonstrating God's power.
Theologian Craig Keener, in his extensive work "Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts," documents numerous contemporary reports of miracles, arguing that miraculous events are not confined to the biblical era. Keener suggests that the Western skepticism towards miracles is more a reflection of cultural biases than a definitive statement about God's activity in the world.
Additionally, the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and the church cannot be overlooked. The New Testament speaks of the gifts of the Spirit, which include miraculous powers (1 Corinthians 12:10). While some Christian traditions believe that these gifts ceased with the apostolic age (a view known as cessationism), others hold that the gifts of the Spirit, including miracles, are still active today (a view known as continuationism). This theological debate influences how different Christian communities perceive and experience miracles.
In light of these considerations, it is clear that the question of why we don't see miracles today like in the times of the New Testament is complex and multifaceted. It involves understanding the historical and theological context of biblical miracles, the nature of faith, cultural perceptions, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. While we may not see the same frequency or type of miracles as recorded in the New Testament, this does not mean that God is any less active or present in our world today. The same God who parted the Red Sea, healed the blind, and raised the dead is still at work, often in ways that are less visible but equally miraculous.
