Definition and Nature
Miraculous signs, often referred to as "signs and wonders" in the Bible, are extraordinary events that manifest divine intervention in the natural world. These signs serve as evidence of God's power and authority, often accompanying His revelation and the proclamation of His message. They are distinct from natural occurrences due to their supernatural origin and purpose.

Old Testament Context
In the Old Testament, miraculous signs are frequently associated with God's deliverance and covenantal promises. One of the earliest examples is found in the account of Moses, where God provides signs to authenticate Moses' leadership and mission to free the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. In Exodus 4:8-9 , God tells Moses, "If they do not believe you or heed the witness of the first sign, they may believe the second. But if they do not believe these two signs or listen to you, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from the river will become blood on the ground."

The plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) are further examples of miraculous signs, demonstrating God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods and His power to save His people. The parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) and the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-15) are additional signs that underscore God's providence and faithfulness.

Prophetic Signs
Prophets in the Old Testament also performed signs to validate their messages. Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-39) is a notable instance where fire from heaven serves as a sign of the true God. Similarly, Isaiah's prophecy of a virgin bearing a son (Isaiah 7:14) is a sign pointing to the coming Messiah.

New Testament Context
In the New Testament, miraculous signs are central to the ministry of Jesus Christ and the early Church. Jesus' miracles, such as turning water into wine (John 2:1-11), healing the sick (Matthew 8:16-17), and raising the dead (John 11:43-44), serve as signs of His divine authority and messianic identity. In John 20:30-31 , it is stated, "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name."

The apostles continued to perform signs and wonders as they spread the Gospel. Acts 2:43 notes, "A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs." These acts confirmed the truth of their message and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Purpose and Function
Miraculous signs in the Bible serve several purposes. They authenticate the messenger and the message, demonstrating that the power and authority come from God. They also reveal God's character, His compassion, and His desire to redeem and restore. Furthermore, signs often serve as a call to faith and repentance, inviting observers to recognize God's sovereignty and respond accordingly.

Skepticism and Belief
While miraculous signs are intended to inspire faith, they do not always lead to belief. In John 12:37 , it is noted, "Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him." This highlights the reality that signs can be met with skepticism and disbelief, emphasizing the necessity of a receptive heart to truly perceive and understand their significance.

Eschatological Signs
The Bible also speaks of signs that will accompany the end times. Jesus, in His Olivet Discourse, describes signs such as wars, famines, and earthquakes as the "beginning of birth pains" (Matthew 24:7-8). These signs serve as indicators of the approaching fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the return of Christ.

Conclusion
Miraculous signs throughout the Bible are a testament to God's active involvement in human history. They reveal His power, authenticate His messengers, and call people to faith and repentance. While they are extraordinary events, their ultimate purpose is to point to the greater reality of God's kingdom and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ.