____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ September 5, 1999 ____________________________________________________ What is a Miracle? by Jere E. Frost The Common Misconception ``I have a miracle in this sack. How many of you would like to hold a miracle in your hands?...In this acorn is a mighty oak tree...God puts an oak tree in every acorn...To me, that is miraculous...The world is full of miracles....'' So wrote ``Rev.'' Brian V. Tanssen in a Bible class lesson for children entitled, ``About Miracles.'' Given his definition, I would agree that the world is full of miracles. But the definition is inaccurate and misleading. We need to clearly distinguish between the miraculous and the natural. Something may be marvelous, and even astounding and confounding to human wisdom without necessarily being a miracle. By definition, a miracle is a direct action by God that confounds natural order. But it is no greater than the natural order. Look back in time. Defined and Illustrated God spoke the world into existence -- direct action, a miracle. God created and instituted laws. The laws God instituted are what we call nature. Natural laws are divine in the sense that they are of God. The natural, then, is the operation of the universe according to the laws God instituted by a miracle (direct action). ``Miracle'' Defined and Illustrated God made the sun and the earth. That was a miracle, of course. He appointed the sun as the source of our physical light. As long as the sun operates according to the laws instituted by God, we can say it is natural. The idea of light and heat being generated multiplied `light years' away from the earth is staggering, but it is now natural because it is following the order and law established by God. Because of His decree, it is natural for the earth to orbit the sun, spin on its axis, vary its tilt, and for all of this to result in days and seasons. But when God made the sun ``stand still'' (Josh. 10:12), it contradicted His law. That is what a miracle is -- God contradicting or suspending His own laws. Let's go back to the oak and acorn. God created the oak. That's a miracle. God decreed that seed bring forth after its kind. Another miracle! But from that point on, for an acorn to produce an oak is natural, for it follows the order ordained of God -- seed brings forth after its kind. This became the natural order. Childbirth is a part of that system, and therefore is, by definition, natural as opposed to miraculous. Though it is wonderful and marvelous, it is no less natural, and is the only means by which human beings now enter the world. Adam and Eve entered by a miracle. The same God who wrought the miracle made the natural law by which Cain and Abel and all humanity has subsequently entered the world. It took as much power to conceive, institute and perpetuate the natural laws by which the universe operates as it took to perform any of the miracles. The miracles did demonstrate His authority over the natural order. It is all of God. The natural order of the universe exists by the will of God. Miracles were wrought by the will of God. The question, then, is not God's power, but God's will. God could make men full grown when they enter the world (he so made Adam). He has the power. But is that his will? Is God doing that? Healing Today Now let's address healing. All healing is of God, but not all healing is miraculous. It may result from the wondrous laws God has instituted. A faith healer may activate confidence and a belief in an ailing person that they are healed, and the afflicted one may truly feel better. Many cases have been documented where asthma attacks, pains and other physical disorders were eased by psychologists. But such is not a miracle. It is the natural power of the mind. Doubtless, many believers do feel better after an enthusiastic, upbeat ``healing'' meeting. This is natural. The mind has a great power and can overcome many ailments. But a miracle? No. A miracle goes beyond the mind's power and is to be accounted for only as a direct act of God. The natural power that can make one feel better by auto-suggestion cannot restore a missing leg. But if, at the speaking of a word, a missing leg did suddenly appear, that would be a miracle. Truly miraculous power can as easily speak missing limbs into existence, walk on water, and raise the dead (we are waiting) as it can improve hearing or heal some unseen malady (as is commonly claimed). The same power that can perform the least miracle also made the world. A miracle is a miracle is a miracle. The Purpose of Miracles The Problem Moses was concerned about being believed by the people. Miraculous power was displayed to convince Moses. He was to display miraculous power to convince Israel. And he was to use miraculous power to convince Pharaoh. ``And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign'' (Exodus 4:8). The miracles confirmed that he was a prophet, and that the law was of God. No one could deny Moses' miracles. No one tried. Take note: no one ever denied that Moses was working miracles! Trying the Prophets Who is the true prophet? Elijah or the prophets of Baal? The proof would not be by argument, but by demonstration. No doubt the false prophets could have argued and made many claims as to what they were able to do and had done once upon a time. They believed in their god. But they were unable to produce results. It was before unbelievers that Elijah called on God to ignite his water soaked altar. It ignited! It was a sign: ``let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant...that this people may know...that this people may know'' (I Kings 18:36,37). There is the purpose: ``that this people may know''! Anyone can make a claim to be inspired of God or a worker of miracles. When Jesus' power was thus questioned (by his critics and unbelievers), he said, ``But that ye may know ...'' and then performed an undeniable miracle (Mark 2:8-10). The Ephesians were commended for trying those who made the claim of being apostles (Revelation 2:2). We are commanded to try (test) those who make claims to be of God (Jude 3). Those who complain that it is trying God to put them to a test are merely dodging and evading a Scripturally approved course. The reason why is obvious. Miracles Confirm the Speaker's Claim Jesus never performed a single miracle to confirm Moses, the law, or Elijah. Their miracles had long ago confirmed their messages. Jesus rather declared that the reality of his claims rested upon the reality of his miracles. No miracles? He is false. Miracles? He word is confirmed and he is vindicated. If the works were not there, Jesus said, ``Believe me not'' (John 10:37). Many today claim all the gifts of the apostles. Mormons even claim to have apostles. The pope claims to have taken the apostle Peter's place. What is the proof of such claims? Paul performed the signs of an apostle as his proof (2 Cor. 2:12). Those who made claims were properly to be tested (I John 4:1). In this way some false apostles were exposed (Rev. 2:2). Why Confirmation Was Needed Proof of a doctrine is provided by one of two ways: (1) Citing confirmed Scripture or (2) an incontestable miracle. If one quotes Moses, the Old Testament, Jesus or Paul, they do not need a miracle. The quotation, being Scripture, was confirmed long ago. As earlier noted, Moses confirmed his words so no one, not even Jesus, performed a miracle to confirm his words. But when a new doctrine is taught, and Scripture cannot be cited to assure the hearer, ah, that is when Jesus, the apostles and men of God wrought miracles. Only new revelations need new miracles. Whose Miraculous Claims Should I Believe? Churches and preachers whose doctrines totally contradict and clash with one another claim that God is with them, performing miracles through them. Can they all be right? Claims, Claims, Claims Charismatic churches are common. Radio and television are alive with healing services. Healing and miracle campaigns are advertised on a regular basis. Healing and miracle services are regularly held all over the country. This is because (they claim) the Holy Spirit has filled them, and so there are claims of being prophets and even apostles. The Mormon Church claims to have the twelve apostles, that is, that their offices have always been filled by successors possessed of the same inspiration and power. The Roman Catholic Church claims its head is the successor of the apostle Peter, and many miracles have been attributed to weeping Madonnas, holy shrines (Lourdes), the blessed virgin Mary, and many icons and patron saints. There are so many you would think all sickness has been removed from the face of the earth. Contradictory Standards and Doctrines Young Mormons call themselves ``elders'' and often knocking on doors and tell people that they have some inspired books (Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price). In them polygamy is God's will. Should I believe it? They claim miracles. They claim the miracles prove the books are inspired. Ellen G. White claimed a revelation in which she saw the ten commandments, and she saw that the fourth commandment (the sabbath) glowed. Seventh-Day Adventists resulted. Mary Baker Eddy received a revelation she called Science and Health with a Key to the Scriptures, still held to be sacred by Christian Scientists. Many televangelists claim God communicates directly with them. A few years ago Oral Roberts told us that he was told by the Lord to raise eight million dollars, and as I recall he was give 20 inspired, infallible prophecies for 1992. These are just a few of the many. Catholics, Mormons, Adventists, Pentecostals, Christian Scientists, independent faith healers, and many within the ranks of heretofore orthodox protestant bodies all claim divine, miraculous guidance and powers. As to doctrines, one group of Pentecostals claims there is a trinity in the Godhead; another teaches Jesus only. One teaches snake handling, another says it is wrong. Both make the same kinds of miraculous claims as proof they are right and the other is wrong. Does God indeed contradict himself? The Bible says God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33). The apostles did not teach contradictory doctrines, and whoever did was to be accursed, even if it was an angel from heaven (Galatians 1:8-10). Modern Proofs and Excuses The modern method of ``proof'' is to claim, argue, claim and argue endlessly that they can and have worked miracles. The Biblical method was opposite. The miracle proved which side of an argument was correct by the power of a demonstration. They settled arguments as to whose message was inspired by a miracle. Today they reverse it, claim miraculous power, argue it to death. and then pass the hat for a collection for their ``work of faith.'' It is a disgrace. Is God working through them? Then let them at least heal the little children. Jesus healed all in village after village. They won't even try to show mercy to the hospitalized children. Benny Hinn, for example, blows folks over with the Spirit (he says), but no visits to the hospitals with a healing of all its patients. God told the apostles to freely heal (Matthew 10:8); but he tells Oral Roberts to raise millions of dollars, or else! Meanwhile, Oral's hospital is full of sick, unhealed, medicated sufferers. The Power of a Demonstration Anyone can make a claim and offer an argument. They can talk about how God is with them, and how through them he has wrought great wonders. Anyone, we again say, can do this. But it is quite another thing to provide irrefutable proof. But irrefutable proof is exactly what the Lord and his apostles gave. Herein they are distinguished from charlatans. For example, when Jesus was doubted to have the power to forgive sins by the Pharisees, obviously unbelievers and enemies in the very context, he healed the man sick of palsy. His reason, in his own words: ``But that ye may know....'' (Mark 2:8-10). He rested his claims and doctrine on his works, or lack thereof (John 10:37-38), not on arguments or testimonies about what someone saw once upon a time. Paul wrought the signs of an apostle among the Corinthians (2 Cor. 12:12). Conversely, others who made claims were not to be automatically believed. The Scriptural injunction is to ``try (test) the prophets, whether they be of God'' (I John 4:1). Conclusion The Bible is true, and I believe it. But many false teachers, making merchandise of people, have gone out into the world. I believe none who claim miraculous powers. I feel compelled to do as the Scriptures instruct, and test them. The Bible, and not healers and their claims, is our standard. IF God is witnessing all this with signs (Heb. 2:4) THEN God is the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33) ___________________________________________ NEWS & NOTES John Pitman's surgery last week went well. He was able to return home after a night's stay in the hospital and was also relieved to hear the good news that there was no tumor nor malignancy. Let us be praying for him, though, as he continues to heal. Bernard (``Jr.'') Young, Susie Lykins' father, has been diagnosed with an upper grade (fast growing) cancer. A large tumor was already removed from his bladder, and this week more testing will be done to see if it has spread--and to find where it had originated. Let us be praying for him as well. Rick Fleeman will be preaching for us next Sunday evening (9/12) instead of this evening. Free Bible courses are available upon request. Why not ask for one today? ________________________________________ Tri-State CHURCH OF CHRIST 1314 Montgomery Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky 41101 Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Bible class 10:50 A.M. Worship 6:30 P.M. Worship Wednesday: 7:30 P.M. Bible study evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (606) 325-9742 e-mail: tedwards@zoomnet.net Gospel Observer web site: http://www.zoomnet.net/~tedwards/go ________________________________________