Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, miracles serve as divine interventions that reveal God's power and authority. However, the Scriptures also illustrate that miracles, despite their extraordinary nature, do not always lead to faith or repentance among the wicked. This entry explores the biblical instances where miracles failed to convince or convert those with hardened hearts.Pharaoh's Hardened Heart One of the most prominent examples is found in the account of the Exodus. Despite witnessing a series of miraculous plagues that demonstrated the power of the God of Israel, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. In Exodus 7:3-4 , God declares, "But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you." The miracles served to fulfill God's purposes but did not lead to Pharaoh's repentance. Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness The Israelites themselves, despite experiencing numerous miracles during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, often displayed unbelief and rebellion. In Numbers 14:11 , the LORD questions Moses, "How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?" The miracles, including the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna, were insufficient to instill lasting faith in the rebellious generation. The Ministry of Jesus During the ministry of Jesus, many witnessed His miraculous works, yet not all believed. In John 12:37 , it is noted, "Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him." The miracles of Jesus, which included healing the sick, raising the dead, and feeding the multitudes, were often met with skepticism and rejection by the religious leaders and others who were spiritually blind. The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus further illustrates the ineffectiveness of miracles in convincing the wicked. In Luke 16:31 , Abraham tells the rich man, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead." This parable underscores the idea that a hardened heart is resistant to even the most astonishing miracles. The Apostolic Era In the Acts of the Apostles, the early church performed many signs and wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, opposition and unbelief persisted. Acts 14:3-4 recounts, "So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. But the people of the city were divided." The miracles authenticated the apostles' message but did not universally convert their audience. Conclusion Throughout the biblical narrative, miracles are shown to be powerful demonstrations of God's presence and authority. However, they are not always effective in transforming the hearts of the wicked. The consistent biblical theme is that faith and repentance require more than witnessing miracles; they require a heart open to the truth and the work of the Holy Spirit. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 14:22Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not listened to my voice; Torrey's Topical Textbook John 12:37 Library The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion The Miracles The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the ... Against Marcionists and Manich??ans. Christ Teaching by Miracles Matt. xxvii. 62-64. The Universality of Actual Grace And Now the Time is Come for us to Consider the Works of Our ... Hebrews xi. 13-16 Resources What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | 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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