The supernatural and miraculous are integral components of the biblical narrative, reflecting the divine intervention of God in the natural world. These elements serve as manifestations of God's power, authority, and presence, often confirming His covenantal promises and purposes.

Old Testament

In the Old Testament, the supernatural is evident from the very beginning. The creation account in Genesis 1-2 is a profound demonstration of God's supernatural power, as He speaks the universe into existence. The parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) is another significant miracle, showcasing God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage: "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land."

Miracles performed by the prophets further illustrate the supernatural. Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-39) is a notable example, where God answers Elijah's prayer with fire from heaven, demonstrating His supremacy over false gods. Similarly, Elisha's ministry is marked by numerous miracles, including the raising of the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4:32-35).

New Testament

The New Testament continues to emphasize the supernatural, particularly through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. His virgin birth (Matthew 1:18-25) is a miraculous event fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. Jesus' ministry is characterized by numerous miracles, such as turning water into wine (John 2:1-11), feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21), and walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). These acts reveal His divine authority and compassion.

The resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10) is the pinnacle of the miraculous in the New Testament, affirming His victory over sin and death. The apostle Paul emphasizes the significance of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:14, stating, "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith."

The early church also experienced the supernatural through the apostles. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) empowered the disciples to perform miracles, such as healing the lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10). These signs and wonders served to authenticate the apostles' message and expand the early church.

Theological Significance

The supernatural and miraculous in the Bible underscore God's sovereignty and His active involvement in human history. They serve as signs pointing to His redemptive plan and the establishment of His kingdom. Miracles often accompany pivotal moments in salvation history, affirming God's covenantal faithfulness and His desire to reveal Himself to humanity.

Throughout Scripture, the supernatural is not an end in itself but a means to draw people to faith and obedience. As Jesus states in John 14:11, "Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me—or at least believe on account of the works themselves." The miraculous thus functions as a testament to God's power and a call to trust in His promises.