MIRACLES OF GOD
Miracles of God must be
distinguished from works of magic.
In magic the wonder worker
himself possesses a formula that causes result. The alleged supernatural power
is controlled by the performer. Compare Exodus 7:11; 8:7.
In miracles of God the results
depend wholly on the divine will and the one who works the miracles is simply
an agent for the Lord.
Miracles of God must be
distinguished from miracles of Satanic or demonic origin.
Christ warned in one of his discourses,”
For there shall arise false Christs, and
false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if
it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect”. (Matthew 24:24).
Paul foretells of the man of sin “In
accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders
(2 Thessalonians 2:9).
Genuine Miracles are always “signs”
that teach a lesson. Every miracle of God is apart of God’s great integrated
system of revealed truth.
PURPOSE OF MIRACLES
To authenticate the
message of the gospels. E.g.
He came to Jesus at
night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God.
For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him”.
(John 3:2). It confirmed scripture or gospel, “God also testified to it by
signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit
distributed according to his will.” (Hebrews
2:4).
To bear witness to
the fact that the kingdom of God has come and has begun to expand its
beneficial results into people’s lives
“But if I cast out devils by the
Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you”.(Matthew 12:28)
To help those in
need e.g. The two blind men.
Two blind men were sitting by the roadside,
and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David,
have mercy on us!” The crowd rebuked them and told them
to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy
on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,”
they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion
on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and
followed him. (Matthew
20:30, 34)
To remove hindrances
to people’s ministries e.g.
As soon as Jesus had
healed Peter’s mother in-law, “She rose and served him” (Matthew 8:15).
TO BRING GLORY TO
GOD (All others contribute to this)
Matthew 9:8, 9:3
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