Miracles
MiraclesMiracles
The first issue is to try and define what a miracle is. A miracle is hard to define, especially today. Miracles are a rarity in today's world. The technical definition of a miracle, is a kind of supernatural or extremely unusual event. In a biblical sense, a miracle is a special act of God in the world; a supernatural interference into nature; a special divine interaction. As Christians, the biblical definition is what we put our faith in. Now we need to know the history of miracles and if they really exist in today's world.
Biblical miracles claim to be historical events. If they are not historical, then the foundation of Christianity is false. Some theologians and others think that since miracles such as the virgin birth, raising the dead and walking on the water, do not occur today, then these events cannot be known to have happened in history. This means that biblical miracles are historically unknowable. "In response, it has been shown that this argument engages in special pleading and begging the question in favor of naturalism" (Geisler 1992:82). As Christians we believe in the historical view of the biblical miracles. Christians believe that the Bible is God's revelation of His involvement int he history of the world. "When God acts in history, He leaves behind His �fingerprints'. By examining the biblical record we can discover those distinctive characteristics of God's imprint" ( Geiser 1988:24). Raising of the dead is an event that shows the power of God. The most compelling act recorded in the Bible is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This is the foundation of Christianity and our relation to God ( Romans 10:9-10). The Bible has several other instances in 1Kings 17:22, John 11:43-44, 2 Kings 4:33-34, and Matthew 27:52. These miracles show that God has power over life and death. The demonstration of this supernatural power is one aspect of the fingerprint of God. Another mark of the supernatural is power over nature, excluding humans. The accounts of Moses and Jesus show the power of God. The power of healing is a topic of today. Although in order to be the same as the biblical miracles, they will have to include all kinds of diseases. God has power over all kinds of diseases. Some of the basic characteristics that help us recognize God's fingerprints are: miracles are always successful; miracles are immediate; miracles have no relapses; and miracles give confirmation of God's messenger.
Ancient history is based on documents, witnesses and...
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