I am reorganizing the numbering of this little blog to match up with the chapter I am reading....in Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology book.
Chapter 17, Miracles
Miracle: "A less common kind of God's activity in which he arouses people's awe and wonder and bears witness to himself."
Terms such as signs, wonders, miracles, or mighty works, are often used. And God himself is the one who does these.
Some miracles in the Bible are obvious, such as Jesus resurrection, Moses and the exodus from Egypt, Jesus healing the blind, lepers, etc.
An unusual answer to prayer can also be considered a miracle. But we have to find the balance between making everything into a miracle, and not believing anything to be a miracle, thus failing to glorify and thank God for what he has done.
Miracles are characteristic of the New Testament church, and show the work of the Holy Spirit. They may be expected to continue through the age of the church.
Cessationists hold that miracles were an affirmation of a true apostle, and died out with the death of the original apostles. But the Bible points out many times where non-apostles did miracles, even among the body of Christ generally.
Even if a person has an ability/gift of doing miracles, they will be dependant on the Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts "as he wills." 1 Cor 12:11.
What about false miracles, done by non-Christians? The Bible is clear that these false miracles will happen, but what is important is to see what happens to non-Christians who are deceiving others. They will perish without Christ. The power of God is greater than the power of Satan.
Should we Christians seek miracles today? Not for our own advancement, not for entertainments sake, etc. Jesus never rebukes anyone who comes in faith, in need, seeking healing, deliverance, or another miracle.
Paul reminds us that signs and wonders do not save us, but the gospel saves people.
Let us have faith, seek God for miracles, and delight in what he is doing!
Chapter 17, Miracles
Miracle: "A less common kind of God's activity in which he arouses people's awe and wonder and bears witness to himself."
Terms such as signs, wonders, miracles, or mighty works, are often used. And God himself is the one who does these.
Some miracles in the Bible are obvious, such as Jesus resurrection, Moses and the exodus from Egypt, Jesus healing the blind, lepers, etc.
An unusual answer to prayer can also be considered a miracle. But we have to find the balance between making everything into a miracle, and not believing anything to be a miracle, thus failing to glorify and thank God for what he has done.
Miracles are characteristic of the New Testament church, and show the work of the Holy Spirit. They may be expected to continue through the age of the church.
Cessationists hold that miracles were an affirmation of a true apostle, and died out with the death of the original apostles. But the Bible points out many times where non-apostles did miracles, even among the body of Christ generally.
Even if a person has an ability/gift of doing miracles, they will be dependant on the Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts "as he wills." 1 Cor 12:11.
What about false miracles, done by non-Christians? The Bible is clear that these false miracles will happen, but what is important is to see what happens to non-Christians who are deceiving others. They will perish without Christ. The power of God is greater than the power of Satan.
Should we Christians seek miracles today? Not for our own advancement, not for entertainments sake, etc. Jesus never rebukes anyone who comes in faith, in need, seeking healing, deliverance, or another miracle.
Paul reminds us that signs and wonders do not save us, but the gospel saves people.
Let us have faith, seek God for miracles, and delight in what he is doing!
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