Gifts of Miracles
Definition:
The supernatural ability to perform acts that contradict natural laws, change physical properties or disrupt the normal behavior and order of things.
Biblical References:
- 1 Corinthians 12:10,28
- John 11:38-44 (raise the dead)
- John 2:1-11 (water to wine)
- Mark 6:14
- Matthew 8:24-26
Gift Characteristics:
A temporary condition in the believer... The gift of miracles is a temporary manifestation of the Holy Spirit that is given to someone for a specific purpose or task. It is not a permanent endowment of supernatural ability. Like other charisma, it is spiritual power that remains under Holy Spirit's control.
Confirms the gospel message... When Nicodemus came to Jesus on behalf of the Jewish leaders, he knew Jesus was speaking the truth about God because of the miracles being performed (John 3:2). Also, Hebrews warns us to heed the message of salvation because it was confirmed by God through the working of miracles (Hebrews 2:4).
May include feats of divine judgement... As demonstrated in the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira when they lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-11). Also shown in the blinding of Elymas when he opposed Paul's testimony to the procounsel at Paphos (Acts 13:11).
May include feats that defy natural law... Exhibited by Peter raising Tabitha from the dead while traveling through Joppa (Acts 9:40), and by Paul raising Eutychus from the dead after he had fallen off a three story building while listening to Paul preach (Acts 20:10). Also manifested in Jesus turning water into wine (John 2:1-10).
May include feats of deliverance and escape... Shown in God sending an angel twice to free Peter and his companions from jail (Acts 5:19; 12:7), and in creating an earthquake to set Paul and Silas free from prison (Acts 16:26).
May include feats of exorcism... As seen in the ministries of Stephen and Philip, who performed many exorcisms during their first missionary outreach from the church in Jerusalem (Acts 8:6-7). Also demonstrated by Paul when he cast an evil spirit out of a slave girl in Philippi (Acts 16:16-18).
May not produce faith in others... There are many examples in Scripture that show miracles did not turn people towards God. Moses performed a number of miraculous signs for the Pharaoh of Egypt but he did not believe him (Exodus 9-15). Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead but the chief priests and Pharisees did not believe Him (John 11:38-53). When Peter and John healed the lame man at Solomon's Colonnade, the Sanhedrin did not accept their message (Acts 4:1-21). Jesus indicated that some people will not respond positively to miracles in His parable about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:31).
Are not always from God... People who are under the influence of demons can also manifest miracles. Jesus told the Church that false prophets would arise and try to mislead people through many miraculous signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24). John forewarns us of the false signs and wonders that will occur during the final tribulation period in human history (Revelation 13:13,14).
