2 Responses for Those Who Say, “If We Only Had Miracles Today”
Every so often, I will hear or read the thoughts of someone who wants there to be miracles in our modern times. Of course, the New Testament clearly teaches that miracles served their purpose of confirming the Word, and they were done away with once the written Word was complete (study 1 Corinthians 12-14 carefully, along with other passages).
However, as we strive to reach others with the Gospel, we can begin to pine for the days when some amazing miracle drew a crowd. So, people then begin to think, “If we only had miracles today, people would believe.”
Trust me, I get where they are coming from. It can be frustrating to preach and teach and, seemingly, never make any headway in reaching people with the truth. But wanting a miracle just to short-circuit the process is not the answer.
Here are two ways to respond when someone says, “If we only had a miracle.”
Miracles Didn’t Always Convince People, Either. Jesus was not some circus sideshow, performing miracles all the time. Still, the New Testament makes it clear that our Lord did many miracles (cf. John 20:30-31). Yet, the very people who saw Him do these amazing signs and wonders put Him on the cross!
Yes, the miracles drew a crowd, but Jesus only did these miracles to prove who He claimed to be, not to be the end-all-be-all “argument” for people to believe. And Jesus, at least once, had to chastise people for only seeing the physical side of what He had done; not the spiritual reality right before them (John 6:26-27).
Would the same not be true today? Even if we had miracles, how many would only come for the “show,” or for the physical satisfaction, and never truly be convicted of the Scriptures?
You Do Have a Miracle Today…If You Will Use It. Now, before you write me up, let me explain. It is true that miracles have ceased (as we said in the opening of this post), but there is still a miracle you have access to at all times.
What is it? The Bible.
The inspiration of Scripture was miraculous, and each time we open God’s Word, we are getting a glimpse into that miracle of inspiration. When we see the unity of Scripture, the fulfilled prophecies, the scientific foreknowledge, and so forth, we are getting a glimpse into the miraculous inspiration of this amazing volume.
The difference is that we must be willing to do our part and actually open the Bible and study it to find this reminder of the miracle. It is not a quick and easy fix, but it is what will save us.
Yes, I’ll admit, there are times when I might pine for a miracle just to make things easier. But then, each time I open and consider the words of Scripture, I am confronted with the miracle that brought me those words in the first place.
And that should always be enough.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
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AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
