The topic of the continuation of miraculous works is a subject of considerable interest and debate within Christian theology. Miraculous works, as recorded in the Bible, encompass a wide range of supernatural acts performed by God, Jesus Christ, the prophets, and the apostles. These acts include healings, resurrections, control over nature, and other signs and wonders that demonstrate divine power and authority.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous accounts of miraculous works, beginning with the Old Testament. Miracles served as signs of God's presence and power among His people. For instance, the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) and the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:14-15) are classic examples of God's miraculous intervention.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ's ministry was marked by numerous miracles, which authenticated His divine nature and mission. The Gospels record various miracles, such as the healing of the blind (Matthew 9:27-30), the raising of Lazarus (John 11:43-44), and the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:41-44). Jesus Himself stated, "Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me—or at least believe on account of the works themselves" (John 14:11).

The apostles continued to perform miracles after Jesus' ascension, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. Peter and John healed a lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:6-8), and Paul raised Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:9-12). These acts served to confirm the message of the Gospel and the authority of the apostles.

Theological Perspectives

The question of whether miraculous works continue today is addressed differently across Christian denominations. Some hold that the age of miracles ceased with the apostolic era, a view known as cessationism. This perspective argues that miracles were primarily for the establishment of the early church and the authentication of the apostles' message.

Others, however, believe in the continuation of miraculous works, a view known as continuationism. This perspective maintains that the Holy Spirit continues to empower believers to perform miracles as a testament to God's ongoing work in the world. Supporters of this view often cite passages such as John 14:12, where Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" .

Spiritual Gifts and Miracles

The Apostle Paul discusses spiritual gifts in his letters, particularly in 1 Corinthians 12-14. Among these gifts are those of healing and miraculous powers. Paul writes, "To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers" (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). These gifts are seen by some as evidence of the continuation of miraculous works within the church.

Purpose and Function

Miraculous works in the Bible served several purposes: they authenticated the message and messengers of God, demonstrated God's compassion and power, and provided a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God. In the context of the early church, miracles were instrumental in the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of Christian communities.

Today, those who believe in the continuation of miraculous works see them as a means of edification, encouragement, and evangelism. They argue that miracles can draw people to faith, provide comfort and healing, and serve as a reminder of God's active presence in the world.

Discernment and Caution

While the continuation of miraculous works is embraced by many, discernment is advised. The Bible warns of false prophets and counterfeit miracles. Jesus cautioned, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible" (Matthew 24:24). Therefore, any claim of miraculous works should be tested against Scripture and the fruit it produces in the lives of believers.