|
God and the Reality of Miracles
by Robert Driskell Those who reject the idea of God also have a difficult time admitting the reality of miracles. This comes as no surprise. When one begins with the prejudice that the supernatural does not exist and that everything can, and must, be explained by natural, visible, repeatable, and controllable causes, one has no choice but to deem miracles impossible. Webster's online dictionary defines 'miracle' as: 1: an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs 2: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miracle) This article is concerned with the first definition, although it surely encompasses the latter also. The skeptic challenges God to perform some miracle that would convince him of the Truth of God's existence. If God does not submit to this challenge, the skeptic considers that to be proof that God does not exist. First, God has provided humankind with many evidences of His existence. If one is not blinded by naturalistic prejudice, the design of God can be seen all around us in nature. The skeptic who rejects those evidences would reject God no matter what miracle was performed for him/her. The Bible says that the very heavens themselves testify to the glory of God and the earth shows His handiwork (Psalms 19:1-2, 97:6). Romans 1:20 tells us that the existence of God is so clearly seen in nature that we are without excuse if we do not recognize, thank, and worship Him. Secondly, God never said that He would perform miracles on request. The miracles in the Bible were executed to validate God, His Word, Jesus, or something else that pointed toward God as God, or Jesus as Savior. They were recorded in the Bible as proof. They were not meant for our amusement. Even answered prayers are answered only when they line up with God's will (I John 5:14-15). The skeptic says that it is ridiculous for believers to believe in God without the witness of miracles. Yet, they consider it perfectly reasonable to believe that the universe came into existence by accident or chance. If there is no coherent Mind behind the creation of the universe, then there is no other explanation for its existence than that happened by unguided chance. Nevertheless, the evidence of design is all around us. The skeptic refuses to see it and claims that it all just happened by accident. This leaves the creation of the universe to chance, luck, good fortune, etc. Does the skeptic believe in chance? Luck? What are they? Are they forces that act upon us? Do THEY possess intelligence? It is luck and chance that do not exist. It is God who created and sustains everythingeven the skeptic. Seeking to introduce people to Jesus Christ and to help them become "transformed by the renewing of their mind." Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |