What about miracles?

Short Answer

Miracles are divine acts outside ordinary natural causation. The Bible reports many miracles, supremely the resurrection of Christ. They cannot be disproven by science (which studies the regular). If God exists, miracles are possible — and the historical evidence supports specific biblical miracles.

A Substantive Answer

Miracles are one of the central topics in any discussion of Christianity. Several truths frame the question. (1) What miracles are. A miracle is a divine act outside the ordinary course of nature — God acting directly rather than through created causes. C.S. Lewis: 'A miracle is an interference with Nature by supernatural power.' Miracles are not natural events misunderstood; they are God acting. (2) The Bible reports many miracles. Creation (Genesis 1). The Exodus (Exodus 7-14). Manna in the wilderness. Crossing the Jordan. Elijah and Elisha. Throughout Jesus' ministry — healings, multiplying loaves, walking on water, raising the dead. The supreme miracle: Christ's bodily resurrection. The apostles also performed miracles (Acts 3, 5, etc.). (3) Why miracles are possible. If God exists and created the universe, he can act within it. Miracles are not violations of natural law but additions of divine action. The same God who established the regularities can introduce new causes. The question is not whether miracles are possible (they obviously are if God exists) but whether they have occurred. (4) The David Hume objection. Hume argued that no testimony can establish a miracle because the uniform experience of humanity is against them. This argument fails: (a) Hume assumed what he tried to prove (that miracles never happen). (b) Hume's principle, if applied consistently, would prevent us from believing many unusual but true events. (c) Hume's argument cannot evaluate specific miracle claims; it merely dismisses them in advance. (5) The historical case for biblical miracles. The strongest is the resurrection of Jesus. Multiple lines of evidence — the empty tomb, the appearances to over 500 witnesses, the transformation of the disciples, the conversion of skeptics, the rapid spread of the early church — converge on a bodily resurrection. See /apologetics/evidence-for-the-resurrection. (6) Modern miracle accounts. Miracles continue to be reported across cultures and religions, including healings, deliverances, and answered prayers in answer to specific Christian prayer. Craig Keener's 'Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts' documents thousands of contemporary miracle claims. While not all are confirmed, the volume suggests miracles continue. (7) What miracles are for in the Bible. (a) To authenticate God's messengers (Hebrews 2:3-4 — 'God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders'). (b) To demonstrate God's power and compassion. (c) To advance God's redemptive plan. (d) Supremely, to attest Christ as the Son of God (John 20:30-31). (8) Common objections. 'Science has disproved miracles.' Science studies the regular; miracles are by definition outside the regular. Science cannot rule out what is by definition outside its scope. 'Why don't miracles happen today?' They do, just not as visibly or commonly as in some biblical periods. The pattern of miracles in Scripture is concentrated around key redemptive moments (Exodus, prophets, Christ, apostles). 'Other religions report miracles.' Some are legendary; some may be psychosomatic; some may be God working outside Christian channels; some may be deceptive. Christianity's central miracle (the resurrection) is uniquely supported by historical evidence. Practical implications. (a) Don't dismiss miracles a priori; investigate them honestly. (b) Don't demand miracles as a precondition of faith; the resurrection is decisive. (c) Pray for miracles where appropriate, while submitting to God's will. (d) Recognize the supreme miracle: Christ rose. If that's true, everything else follows.

Key Bible Passages

John 20:30-31

Many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe.

Hebrews 2:3-4

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:22

Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs.

Mark 9:23

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Matthew 19:26

With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Acts 4:30

By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

Common Objections

Miracles violate natural laws.

Not strictly. Natural laws describe what regularly happens; miracles add divine action. They are not violations but additions. A miraculous healing does not violate biology; it adds a divine cause to the situation. The "violation" framing assumes naturalism is true, which is the question at stake.

Science has disproved miracles.

Science studies the regular and reproducible. Miracles are by definition outside the regular. Science cannot disprove what is outside its scope. What science can say is that certain natural causes are or are not present. It cannot rule out divine action.

I have never seen a miracle.

Most events in the universe are 'natural' — God working through created causes. Miracles are rare by nature. The relevant question is not 'have you personally seen one?' but 'is the testimony to specific miracles reliable?' The resurrection of Jesus is supported by substantial historical evidence regardless of personal experience.

Takeaway

Miracles are possible if God exists. The Bible reports many; the supreme miracle is Christ's resurrection. The historical case for the resurrection is strong. Science cannot rule out miracles; it studies the regular. Investigate the evidence honestly, especially for the resurrection. If Christ rose, miracles are real and Christianity is true.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a miracle?

A miracle is a divine act outside the ordinary course of nature — God acting directly rather than through created causes. C.S. Lewis: 'A miracle is an interference with Nature by supernatural power.' Examples include creation, the Exodus, Christ's healings, the multiplication of loaves, and supremely the resurrection of Christ.

Do miracles still happen today?

Yes — God still works, sometimes miraculously, sometimes through ordinary means (medicine, providence). Miracles are documented across cultures and centuries. Craig Keener's 'Miracles' (two volumes) catalogs thousands of contemporary accounts. Not all are confirmed, but the testimony is substantial. The pattern of miracles in Scripture is concentrated at key redemptive moments; God still acts, though perhaps less commonly than at Sinai or in Jesus' ministry.

Why don't we see more miracles?

Several reasons: (1) God works mostly through natural means — the regular pattern of his providence. (2) Miracles are by nature rare. (3) The supreme miracle (the resurrection) has already happened and is sufficient ground for faith. (4) Excessive demand for signs is reproved by Jesus (Matthew 12:39 — 'an evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign'). (5) God works as he wills, not on demand. Pray boldly; trust God's wisdom.

How can I tell if a miracle is real?

Tests: (1) Does it have historical/eyewitness support? (2) Is it consistent with God's character revealed in Scripture? (3) Does it produce gospel fruit (drawing people to Christ, not just attention)? (4) Has it been examined by people who would be inclined to disprove it (skeptical doctors, investigators)? (5) Does it match a biblical pattern? The Bible warns of false signs (Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). Test all things; believe what is true.

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