Jeff Maples of Pulpit & Pen examines what the Bible says about miracles. We all know that God can, has and does perform miracles. But what’s the purpose of His miracles?
Often times we find ourselves in a dire situation that we can’t manage on our own. It may be a frantic financial situation. It may be a devastating blow to our health. It could be any number of things, but time and again we seek a divine intervention into whatever circumstances we face–a quick fix. A miracle.
A popular worship song by Chris Tomlin summarizes the miracle seeker’s sentiments thus:
Water You turned into wine Opened the eyes of the blind There’s no one like you None like you
. . . .
Our God is greater, our God is stronger God You are higher than any other Our God is Healer, awesome in power Our God, Our God
These lyrics, while true, actually embellish the work of the Holy Spirit by distorting the purpose of miracles. There is a serious error penetrating the walls of Christ’s church that is leading people away from the true gospel into a false gospel of hopelessness. There are preachers and teachers who suggest that divine miracles are the primary purpose of the Christian faith and that contending for them should be our mission. This view is prevalent in the Word of Faith (WoF) and Prosperity Gospel camps. The carrot of hope in temporal miracles sells–it sells books, music, and speaking engagements. Notable proponents of this theology include Steven Furtick, Joyce Meyer, T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen, and many others. Biblical passages that are descriptive of a historical event are regularly twisted into a prescription for all people who will “activate” their faith in some way. Miracles, as opposed to Christ, then become the quintessential element of faith.
