Three reasons why miracles are rarely happening today
1. Miracles were critical on the onset of early movement
Before Jesus returned to heaven, He gave the 12 disciples the power and authority over demons and diseases. They needed it to demonstrate that what they preach comes from the divine.
Afterward, Jesus appointed 72 others to go out in pairs ahead of Him as workers for the harvest (Luke 10:1). He did not delegate powers for them to make miracles.
The supernatural after the apostolic era
The Doctrine of Cessation believes spiritual gifts such as speaking in tounges, prophecy, and ‘miraculous healing’ ceased with the Apostolic Age. However, we cannot also limit the movement of the Holy Spirit as we enter the end-times period.
For example, Peter Tan Chi is not fluent in Mandarin. When he was asked to preach in China, he “spoke in tongues” by speaking in Mandarin fluently, not just gibberish words.
Likewise, Pastor’s wife, Agnes Sarthou, was diagnosed with late-stage cancer in 2003. God extended her life for 18 years. As a result, it enabled her to lead a powerful women’s ministry. Miracles are critical when sparking a movement.
Knowledge and miracles today
The Bible predicted knowledge and pride would increase towards the end times (Daniel 12:4). As a result, it will disable many to have “child-like faith” in believing God or miracles. (Matthew 18:3)
Man’s knowledge disregard miracles as something divine. Instead, miracles are attributed to better technology, strong will, or a mere coincidence. Miracles seem irrelevant in sharing the Gospel today.
Romans 15:18-19
“… by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the Gospel of Christ.”
2. God has a time frame for everything
God defies the natural law to do miracles. To do so was critical in the advent of Christianity. Jesus refused to perform His first miracle at a wedding because His ministry had not begun.
NIH director Francis Collins, one of the world’s most powerful scientists, believes in miracles. In an interview with John Hogan of Scientific America, he said:
Francis Collins
“If God had to intervene miraculously every time one of us chose to do something evil, it would be a very strange, chaotic, unpredictable world. Free will leads to people doing terrible things to each other. Innocent people die as a result.”
God’s ways are always perfect
Collins was charged with being an agnostic but rebutted that he may be agnostic only in God’s way. In short, he acknowledges the existence of the supernatural God whose ways will never be known to mere men. God acts according to His timeline.
The apostles did miracles, but the anointing was not transferable
Jesus gave the apostle the power to do miracles (Luke 9:1). No text says the power can be delegated (apostolic succession or vicar of Christ). The Holy Spirit actively worked with them in an era long gone.
Acts 19:11-12
“God did extraordinary miracles through Paul so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured, and the evil spirits left them.”
3. Miracles are irrelevant to an unbelieving generation, instead God gives visions and dreams
God knew man’s knowledge would increase exponentially. The internet can turn anyone to become a philosopher or a doctor. In fact, the idea of a Creator is mocked by intellects—miracles regarded as a coincidence.
God knew the first covenant would fall. He sent His “incarnate Son” out of His great love to save us. Jesus did not only make miracles but died for our sins.
Christian apologetics becomes critical in preaching the Gospel as we enter the third millennia.
Acts 2:17
“And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams…”
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