Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, miracles serve as divine acts that reveal the glory of God, demonstrating His power, authority, and presence in the world. These supernatural events are not merely displays of power but are deeply intertwined with God's redemptive purposes and His covenant relationship with humanity.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, miracles often accompany God's deliverance of His people and the establishment of His covenant. The plagues of Egypt, culminating in the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31), are prime examples where God's miraculous intervention not only liberates the Israelites but also manifests His glory to both His people and their oppressors. As the Israelites witness these acts, they come to understand the Lord's supremacy over the gods of Egypt and His commitment to His covenant promises. The miracles performed by the prophets, such as Elijah and Elisha, further illustrate God's glory. Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-39) is a dramatic demonstration of God's power, as fire from heaven consumes the sacrifice, leading the people to proclaim, "The LORD, He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39). These acts confirm the prophets' messages and authenticate their divine commission. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, miracles are central to the ministry of Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of God's glory. The Gospel of John refers to Jesus' miracles as "signs," emphasizing their role in revealing His divine identity and mission. The turning of water into wine at Cana (John 2:1-11) is described as the first of these signs, where Jesus "revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him" (John 2:11). The miracles of Jesus, including healings, exorcisms, and resurrections, serve to authenticate His message of the Kingdom of God and His authority as the Son of God. The raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44) is particularly significant, as Jesus declares, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). This miracle not only foreshadows Jesus' own resurrection but also underscores His power over life and death. Apostolic Witness Following the ascension of Christ, the apostles continue to perform miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit, further manifesting God's glory and advancing the Gospel. The healing of the lame man at the temple gate by Peter and John (Acts 3:1-10) leads to widespread amazement and provides an opportunity for Peter to proclaim the risen Christ. The miracles performed by the apostles confirm their witness and demonstrate the ongoing presence of Christ with His Church. Theological Significance Miracles in the biblical narrative are not random acts of divine intervention but are purposeful manifestations of God's glory. They reveal His character, affirm His covenant promises, and invite faith and obedience from His people. As such, they are integral to the unfolding account of redemption, pointing to the ultimate miracle of the resurrection and the hope of eternal life in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 11:4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether Christ Worked Miracles Fittingly on Men? God Hath Made Manifest Whether the Wicked Can Work Miracles? There is but one Lord and one God, the Father and Creator of all ... What Jesus Says of the Meaning of his Miracles Introductory. The Lord's Prayer. Grace and Glory The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana. The Beginning of Miracles. Resources Are the miracles in the Bible to be taken literally? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we discern counterfeit miracles? | GotQuestions.org What are the greatest miracles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms |
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