5. Miracles Can Confirm a Message is from God Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2008.

5. Miracles Can Confirm 5. Miracles Can Confirm a Message is from Goda Message is from God

Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2008Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2008

Twelve Points that Show Christianity is TrueTwelve Points that Show Christianity is True1. 1. Truth about reality is knowable.Truth about reality is knowable.2. The opposite of true is false.2. The opposite of true is false.3. It is true that the theistic God exists.3. It is true that the theistic God exists.4. If God exists then miracles are possible.4. If God exists then miracles are possible.5. Miracles can be used to confirm a message from God.5. Miracles can be used to confirm a message from God.6. The New Testament is historically reliable.6. The New Testament is historically reliable.7. The New Testament says Jesus claimed to be God.7. The New Testament says Jesus claimed to be God.8. Jesus’ claim to be God was miraculously confirmed by:8. Jesus’ claim to be God was miraculously confirmed by: a. His fulfillment of many prophecies about Himself;a. His fulfillment of many prophecies about Himself; b. His sinless and miraculous life;b. His sinless and miraculous life; c. His prediction of and resurrection from the dead.c. His prediction of and resurrection from the dead.9. Therefore, Jesus is God.9. Therefore, Jesus is God.10. Whatever Jesus (who is God) teaches is true.10. Whatever Jesus (who is God) teaches is true.11. Jesus taught that the Bible is the Word of God.11. Jesus taught that the Bible is the Word of God.12. Therefore, it is true that the Bible is the Word of God (and 12. Therefore, it is true that the Bible is the Word of God (and

anything opposed to it is false).anything opposed to it is false).

OutlineOutlineI.I. Definition of a MiracleDefinition of a Miracle

II.II. Distinction of Miracle from Distinction of Miracle from Other Unusual EventsOther Unusual Events

III.III. Primary Purpose of MiraclesPrimary Purpose of Miracles

IV.IV. Criteria of a True MiracleCriteria of a True Miracle

A.A. Definition:Definition: A miracle is a divine A miracle is a divine intervention in the natural world that intervention in the natural world that produces an event that would not have produces an event that would not have resulted from purely natural causes. resulted from purely natural causes.

B.B. Description:Description:1. A supernatural act in the world by 1. A supernatural act in the world by a a supernatural God.supernatural God.

2. A direct and unusual act within 2. A direct and unusual act within nature nature by a source Who is beyond by a source Who is beyond nature. nature.

3. A special direct act of a theistic 3. A special direct act of a theistic God God within His creation.within His creation.

Unusual but Natural Unusual but Natural EventsEvents

A. A. AnomalyAnomaly——unusual but an unusual but an unknown natural cause. unknown natural cause.

B. B. ProvidenceProvidence——unusual but a unusual but a known known natural cause. natural cause.

C. C. MagicMagic——unusual but a secret unusual but a secret natural cause. natural cause.

D. D. SatanicSatanic——unusual and an evil unusual and an evil spiritual cause. spiritual cause.

MiracleMiracle: An unusual but : An unusual but supernatural event.supernatural event.

Miracles ConfirmConfirm a Message

A. All three of the theistic religions A. All three of the theistic religions (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) consider consider a miracles to be a a miracles to be a confirmation by God of a truth claim confirmation by God of a truth claim made in His Name. made in His Name.

B. Miracles connected to a truth claim: B. Miracles connected to a truth claim: Confirm a Confirm a messagemessage of God, of God,

Through a Through a messenger messenger of God. of God.

A. All three of the theistic religions A. All three of the theistic religions (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) consider consider a miracles to be a a miracles to be a confirmation by God of a truth claim confirmation by God of a truth claim made in His Name. made in His Name.

B. Miracles connected to a truth claim: B. Miracles connected to a truth claim: Confirm a Confirm a messagemessage of God, of God,

Through a Through a messenger messenger of God. of God.

Prerequisites of a Divine MessagePrerequisites of a Divine Message

A. Theism:A. Theism: A personal God desires to A personal God desires to communicate to rational beings made communicate to rational beings made in in His image (Gen. 1:27). His image (Gen. 1:27).

B. Miracles:B. Miracles: The way we know it is God The way we know it is God who is speaking? who is speaking?

1. The message is connected with 1. The message is connected with miracles that only God can do! miracles that only God can do!

2. The Source is a supernatural Being 2. The Source is a supernatural Being who gave a supernatural acts. who gave a supernatural acts.

A. Theism:A. Theism: A personal God desires to A personal God desires to communicate to rational beings made communicate to rational beings made in in His image (Gen. 1:27). His image (Gen. 1:27).

B. Miracles:B. Miracles: The way we know it is God The way we know it is God who is speaking? who is speaking?

1. The message is connected with 1. The message is connected with miracles that only God can do! miracles that only God can do!

2. The Source is a supernatural Being 2. The Source is a supernatural Being who gave a supernatural acts. who gave a supernatural acts.

A. Miracles in JudaismA. Miracles in Judaism1. Miracles used to confirm Moses’ as a

prophet of God. Moses answered God when He called,

saying, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my Voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’ The Lord said to him, ‘What is that in you hand?’ He said, ‘A staff.’ And he [God] said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’ So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent…. ‘If they will not believe you,’ God said, ‘or listen to the first sign, they may believe even the later sign.”

1. Miracles used to confirm Moses’ as a prophet of God.

Moses answered God when He called, saying, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my Voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’ The Lord said to him, ‘What is that in you hand?’ He said, ‘A staff.’ And he [God] said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’ So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent…. ‘If they will not believe you,’ God said, ‘or listen to the first sign, they may believe even the later sign.”

2.2. Miracle used with Korah’s Rebellion Miracle used with Korah’s Rebellion

““And Moses said, ‘Hereby you shall know that And Moses said, ‘Hereby you shall know that the Lord has sent me…. If the Lord creates the Lord has sent me…. If the Lord creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them upand swallows them up with all that belongs to with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these me have despised the shall know that these me have despised the Lord…. And the earth opened its mouth and Lord…. And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up… So they and all that swallowed them up… So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol….” belonged to them went down alive into Sheol….” (Num. 16:5;28-30, 33).(Num. 16:5;28-30, 33).

3.3. Miracle used a Miracle to confirm Elijah Miracle used a Miracle to confirm Elijah when he was challenged by the prophet of when he was challenged by the prophet of BaalBaal

After their prayers failed to bring fire from heaven After their prayers failed to bring fire from heaven on the sacrifice, Elijah prayed:on the sacrifice, Elijah prayed:

““O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant… then fire of the Lord came that I am your servant… then fire of the Lord came down and consumed the burnt offeringdown and consumed the burnt offering and the and the wood and stones and the dust, and licked up the wood and stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench” (1Kgs.18:36-38).water that was in the trench” (1Kgs.18:36-38).

B. Miracles in ChristianityB. Miracles in Christianity

1. After Jesus turned water into wine, Nicodemus came and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher come from God for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” (John 3:2).

1. After Jesus turned water into wine, Nicodemus came and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher come from God for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” (John 3:2).

B. Miracles in ChristianityB. Miracles in Christianity3. When the Jewish leaders asked

Jesus for a miraculous sign, He responded. “None will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, even so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matt. 12:38–39).

3. When the Jewish leaders asked Jesus for a miraculous sign, He responded. “None will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, even so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matt. 12:38–39).

4. To Prove His Messianic Credentials, 4. To Prove His Messianic Credentials, Jesus said,Jesus said, “‘That “‘That you may know that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’forgive sins’ said to the paralytic, ‘I said to the paralytic, ‘I say to say to you arise take up your bed, you arise take up your bed, and go your way to your house’” and go your way to your house’” (Mark 2:10-11). (Mark 2:10-11).

B. Miracles in ChristianityB. Miracles in Christianity5.5. Peter said Jesus was accredited by Peter said Jesus was accredited by

Miracles when he declared:Miracles when he declared: “ “Men of Israel, hear these words: Men of Israel, hear these words:

‘Jesus of Nazareth, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, a man accredited a man accredited by God to you by miracles,by God to you by miracles, wonders wonders and signs, which God did among and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourself you through him, as you yourself know…’” (Acts 2:22). know…’” (Acts 2:22).

5.5. Peter said Jesus was accredited by Peter said Jesus was accredited by Miracles when he declared:Miracles when he declared:

“ “Men of Israel, hear these words: Men of Israel, hear these words: ‘Jesus of Nazareth, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, a man accredited a man accredited by God to you by miracles,by God to you by miracles, wonders wonders and signs, which God did among and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourself you through him, as you yourself know…’” (Acts 2:22). know…’” (Acts 2:22).

6.6. Hebrews 2:3–4 proclaims that God Hebrews 2:3–4 proclaims that God confirmed the Apostles by Miracles, confirmed the Apostles by Miracles, Saying of the Gospel:Saying of the Gospel:

“ “It was declared at first by first by It was declared at first by first by the Lord, and it was confirmed to us the Lord, and it was confirmed to us by those who heard him, by those who heard him, God God bearing witness with signs and bearing witness with signs and wonders and various miracleswonders and various miracles and and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will” (Heb. 2:3-4). according to his will” (Heb. 2:3-4).

7. Paul defended his apostleship, 7. Paul defended his apostleship, saying: saying:

“ “The things that mark an The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—miracles—were done among were done among you with great perseverance” (2 you with great perseverance” (2 Cor. 12:12).Cor. 12:12).

8. John Said Miracles Confirm Jesus is the Christ [Messiah]:

“Truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life through His name” (John 20:30-31).

8. John Said Miracles Confirm Jesus is the Christ [Messiah]:

“Truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life through His name” (John 20:30-31).

C. Miracles in IslamC. Miracles in Islam

1. Muhammad said, “If they reject thee, So were rejected apostles Before thee, who came with clear Signs” (Sura 3:184).

2. The Qur’an says, “Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron, with Our signs and authority manifest” (Sura 23:45).

1. Muhammad said, “If they reject thee, So were rejected apostles Before thee, who came with clear Signs” (Sura 3:184).

2. The Qur’an says, “Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron, with Our signs and authority manifest” (Sura 23:45).

Miracles in IslamMiracles in Islam

3. Qur’an records Moses saying of 3. Qur’an records Moses saying of his miracles,his miracles, “Thou knowest well “Thou knowest well that these things have been sent that these things have been sent down by none but the Lord of the down by none but the Lord of the heavens and the earth as eye-heavens and the earth as eye-opening Evidence”opening Evidence” (Sura 17:102). (Sura 17:102).

3. Qur’an records Moses saying of 3. Qur’an records Moses saying of his miracles,his miracles, “Thou knowest well “Thou knowest well that these things have been sent that these things have been sent down by none but the Lord of the down by none but the Lord of the heavens and the earth as eye-heavens and the earth as eye-opening Evidence”opening Evidence” (Sura 17:102). (Sura 17:102).

4. Muhammad held that God gave Jesus 4. Muhammad held that God gave Jesus the power to do miracles, even raising the power to do miracles, even raising the dead:the dead:

““O Jesus , the son of Mary… I O Jesus , the son of Mary… I strengthened thee with the holy strengthened thee with the holy spirit… spirit… By me leave [permission], and By me leave [permission], and thou healest those born blind; the thou healest those born blind; the lepers, by my leave. And behold! thou lepers, by my leave. And behold! thou bringest forth the deadbringest forth the dead by my leave by my leave (Sura 5:113).(Sura 5:113).

All 3 Theistic Religions Believe:All 3 Theistic Religions Believe:

1) That a theistic God rationally communicates to rational beings.

2) That a theistic God can perform miracles.

3) Those miracles can confirm a truth claim made in God’s name.

1) That a theistic God rationally communicates to rational beings.

2) That a theistic God can perform miracles.

3) Those miracles can confirm a truth claim made in God’s name.

D. Miracles according to Non-believersD. Miracles according to Non-believers

1. David Hume affirmed that a 1. David Hume affirmed that a resurrection would be a miracle:resurrection would be a miracle:

Hume wrote: Hume wrote: “It is a miracle, that “It is a miracle, that a dead man should come to life;a dead man should come to life; because that has never been because that has never been observed in any age or country” observed in any age or country” ((EnquiryEnquiry, X, Part I)., X, Part I).

1. David Hume affirmed that a 1. David Hume affirmed that a resurrection would be a miracle:resurrection would be a miracle:

Hume wrote: Hume wrote: “It is a miracle, that “It is a miracle, that a dead man should come to life;a dead man should come to life; because that has never been because that has never been observed in any age or country” observed in any age or country” ((EnquiryEnquiry, X, Part I)., X, Part I).

2.2. He allowed a series of unusual events on He allowed a series of unusual events on command to be miracles.command to be miracles.

““Thus if a person, claiming a divine Thus if a person, claiming a divine authority, should command a sick person to authority, should command a sick person to be well, a healthful man to fall down dead, the be well, a healthful man to fall down dead, the clouds to pour rain, the winds to blow, in clouds to pour rain, the winds to blow, in short, should order many natural events, short, should order many natural events, which immediately follow upon his command; which immediately follow upon his command; these might justly be esteemed miracles, these might justly be esteemed miracles, because they are really, in this case, contrary because they are really, in this case, contrary to the laws of nature”to the laws of nature” ( (EnquiryEnquiry, X, Part I, n. 20) , X, Part I, n. 20)

3. Hume implied that superior miracles would . Hume implied that superior miracles would prove one religion over another.prove one religion over another.

He said “every miracle, therefore, pretended to have been wrought in any of these religions (and all of them abound in miracles) . . . so has it the same force, though more indirectly, to overthrow every other system. In destroying a rival system, it likewise destroys the credit of those miracles on which that system was established” (Enquiry X, Part II).

3. Hume implied that superior miracles would . Hume implied that superior miracles would prove one religion over another.prove one religion over another.

He said “every miracle, therefore, pretended to have been wrought in any of these religions (and all of them abound in miracles) . . . so has it the same force, though more indirectly, to overthrow every other system. In destroying a rival system, it likewise destroys the credit of those miracles on which that system was established” (Enquiry X, Part II).

3. When Bertrand 3. When Bertrand Russell was asked “What kind of asked “What kind of evidence could convince you God exists?” he evidence could convince you God exists?” he responded: “I think that if I heard a voice from the sky predicting all that was going to happen to me during the next twenty-four hours, including events that would have seemed highly improbable, and if all these events then proceed to happen, then I might perhaps be convinced at least of the existence of some superhuman intelligence. I can imagine other evidence of the same sort which might convince me, but as far as I know, no such evidence exists.”

3. When Bertrand 3. When Bertrand Russell was asked “What kind of asked “What kind of evidence could convince you God exists?” he evidence could convince you God exists?” he responded: “I think that if I heard a voice from the sky predicting all that was going to happen to me during the next twenty-four hours, including events that would have seemed highly improbable, and if all these events then proceed to happen, then I might perhaps be convinced at least of the existence of some superhuman intelligence. I can imagine other evidence of the same sort which might convince me, but as far as I know, no such evidence exists.”

4. Charles Darwin admitted instant 4. Charles Darwin admitted instant appearance of complex organisms appearance of complex organisms would be a miracle.would be a miracle.

Darwin wrote:Darwin wrote: “If it could be “If it could be demonstrated that demonstrated that any complex organ any complex organ existed which could not possibly have existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive,been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory [of slight modifications, my theory [of gradual change] would absolutely break gradual change] would absolutely break down” (down” (On the Origin of SpeciesOn the Origin of Species, 6, 6thth ed. ed. (1872), 154). (1872), 154).

Miracles and Divine ConfirmationMiracles and Divine Confirmation1. If a theistic God exists, then miracles are possible.2.A miracle is a special act of a theistic God.3. A theistic God is all-knowing (omniscient).3.A theistic God is also a morally perfect Being (see

chapter 3),4. An all-knowing, all-perfect God cannot err or deceive.5.Hence, a theistic God would not act to confirm

something as true that was false.6.Therefore, true miracles in connection with a message

confirm that message to be from God: (a) the miracle confirms the message, (b) the sign confirms the sermon, (c) an act of God confirms the Word of God, and (d) new revelation needs new confirmation.

1. If a theistic God exists, then miracles are possible.2.A miracle is a special act of a theistic God.3. A theistic God is all-knowing (omniscient).3.A theistic God is also a morally perfect Being (see

chapter 3),4. An all-knowing, all-perfect God cannot err or deceive.5.Hence, a theistic God would not act to confirm

something as true that was false.6.Therefore, true miracles in connection with a message

confirm that message to be from God: (a) the miracle confirms the message, (b) the sign confirms the sermon, (c) an act of God confirms the Word of God, and (d) new revelation needs new confirmation.

Jewish Scholar Admits ResurrectionJewish Scholar Admits ResurrectionPinchas Lapide:Pinchas Lapide: “In regard to the future resurrection of the “In regard to the future resurrection of the

dead, I am a Pharisee. Concerning the resurrection of dead, I am a Pharisee. Concerning the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, I was for decades a Sadducee. Jesus on Easter Sunday, I was for decades a Sadducee. I am no longer a Sadducee since the following I am no longer a Sadducee since the following deliberation has caused me to think this through deliberation has caused me to think this through anew…. anew…. If God’s power which was active in Elisha is If God’s power which was active in Elisha is great enough to resuscitate even a dead person…, then great enough to resuscitate even a dead person…, then the bodily resurrection of a crucified Jew also would not the bodily resurrection of a crucified Jew also would not be inconceivable”be inconceivable” ( (The Resurrection of JesusThe Resurrection of Jesus, 125, 131)., 125, 131).

Letter to Editor ofLetter to Editor of Time Time:: “Pinchas Papide’s logic escapes “Pinchas Papide’s logic escapes me. He believes it is a possibility that Jesus was me. He believes it is a possibility that Jesus was resurrected by God. At the same time he does not resurrected by God. At the same time he does not accept Jesus as the Messiah. But Jesus said he was the accept Jesus as the Messiah. But Jesus said he was the Messiah. Messiah. Why would God resurrect a liar?”Why would God resurrect a liar?” (6/4/79) (6/4/79)




IV.IV. Criteria of a True MiracleCriteria of a True Miracle

Criteria for Miraculous ConfirmationCriteria for Miraculous Confirmation

1. The events should be 1. The events should be immediate. immediate.

2. There should be 2. There should be multiple multiple miracles. miracles.

3. It should be 3. It should be connected with a truth connected with a truth claimclaim in the name of God. in the name of God.

4. 4. A predictive elementA predictive element adds to the adds to the credibility of a miraculous claim. credibility of a miraculous claim.

1. The events should be immediate1. The events should be immediate Matt. 8:3:Matt. 8:3: “Jesus stretched out his hand and “Jesus stretched out his hand and

touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”his leprosy was cleansed.”

Matt. 8:13:Matt. 8:13: “And to the centurion, Jesus said, ‘Go; “And to the centurion, Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.’ And let it be done for you as you have believed.’ And the servant was healed at the servant was healed at that very momentthat very moment.”.”

Acts 3:6-7:Acts 3:6-7: “Peter said, “In the name of Jesus of “Peter said, “In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ And he took him by Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and the right hand and raised him up, and immediatelyimmediately his feet and ankles were made his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk…” (see also Matt. 9:22; Mk. 1:31,42; Jn. 5:9).walk…” (see also Matt. 9:22; Mk. 1:31,42; Jn. 5:9).

Note:Note: No Gradual Miracles in Bible No Gradual Miracles in Bible

• There is one two stage miracle, but There is one two stage miracle, but each stage waseach stage was instantaneousinstantaneous (Mk. (Mk. 8:22-26).8:22-26).

• The two stages were an audio-visual The two stages were an audio-visual illustration of Israel’s two stage illustration of Israel’s two stage enlightenment.enlightenment.

• If it is gradual, it is not a miracle. If If it is gradual, it is not a miracle. If it is instantaneous, it is a miracle.it is instantaneous, it is a miracle.

2. There should be multiple miracles 2. There should be multiple miracles (which adds confirmation-Acts 1:3)(which adds confirmation-Acts 1:3)

a. There are some a. There are some 250 Miracles in the Bible. 250 Miracles in the Bible. b. Over b. Over 60 miracles are Recorded in the 60 miracles are Recorded in the

Gospels.Gospels. c. Many miracles were multiple healingsc. Many miracles were multiple healings Matt. 9:35:Matt. 9:35: “Jesus went throughout “Jesus went throughout all the all the

cities and villages…healing every cities and villages…healing every disease and every affliction.”disease and every affliction.”

Acts 28:9:Acts 28:9: “The rest of the people on the “The rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and island who had diseases also came and were healed.”were healed.”

a. There are some a. There are some 250 Miracles in the Bible. 250 Miracles in the Bible. b. Over b. Over 60 miracles are Recorded in the 60 miracles are Recorded in the

Gospels.Gospels. c. Many miracles were multiple healingsc. Many miracles were multiple healings Matt. 9:35:Matt. 9:35: “Jesus went throughout “Jesus went throughout all the all the

cities and villages…healing every cities and villages…healing every disease and every affliction.”disease and every affliction.”

Acts 28:9:Acts 28:9: “The rest of the people on the “The rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and island who had diseases also came and were healed.”were healed.”

3. It should connected to a truth 3. It should connected to a truth claim in the name of God.claim in the name of God.

Moses:Moses: “And Moses said, “And Moses said, ‘Hereby you ‘Hereby you shall know that the Lord has sent me….shall know that the Lord has sent me…. If the Lord creates something new, and If the Lord creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs swallows them up with all that belongs to them…then you shall know that to them…then you shall know that these me have despised the Lord.” these me have despised the Lord.”


Elijah: Elijah: “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and Israel, let it be known this day that let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant…your servant…then fire of the Lord then fire of the Lord came down and consumed the burnt came down and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and stones and offering and the wood and stones and the dust, and licked up the water that the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench” (1Kgs.18:36-38).was in the trench” (1Kgs.18:36-38).


Jesus:Jesus: “‘That you may know that the “‘That you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’forgive sins’ said to the paralytic, ‘I said to the paralytic, ‘I say to say to you arise take up your you arise take up your bed, and go your way to your bed, and go your way to your house’” (Mark 2:10-11). house’” (Mark 2:10-11).

4. A predictive element adds to the 4. A predictive element adds to the credibility of a miraculous claim credibility of a miraculous claim

Jesus:Jesus: “None will be given it except “None will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. the sign of the prophet Jonah. Just as Jonah was three days and Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the three nights in the belly of the great fish, even so great fish, even so the Son of Man the Son of Man will be three days and three nights will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth”in the heart of the earth” (Matt. (Matt. 12:38–39 cf. Jn. 2:19-22; Mt. 17:22).12:38–39 cf. Jn. 2:19-22; Mt. 17:22).

Predictive Element of MiraclesPredictive Element of MiraclesMoses promised supernatural judgments of God on Egypt

(Exod. 4:21–23); that the rod of God would bud (Num. 17:5); that Korah would be judged (Num. 16:28–30).

Elijah predicted that fire would come from heaven to consume the sacrifice (1 Kings 18:22f.).

Isaiah said only God could make accurate predictions long before the events occurred: “Even from the beginning I have declared it to you; before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, lest you should say, ‘My idol has done them . . .’” (Isa. 48:5).

Jesus predicted His resurrection (Mt. 12:40-42) and the healing of the lame man (Mk 2:10-11).

He said, “Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He” (John 13:19).

Moses promised supernatural judgments of God on Egypt (Exod. 4:21–23); that the rod of God would bud (Num. 17:5); that Korah would be judged (Num. 16:28–30).

Elijah predicted that fire would come from heaven to consume the sacrifice (1 Kings 18:22f.).

Isaiah said only God could make accurate predictions long before the events occurred: “Even from the beginning I have declared it to you; before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, lest you should say, ‘My idol has done them . . .’” (Isa. 48:5).

Jesus predicted His resurrection (Mt. 12:40-42) and the healing of the lame man (Mk 2:10-11).

He said, “Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He” (John 13:19).

Conclusions:Conclusions: A. A. Biblical miracles have all the qualifications of Biblical miracles have all the qualifications of

true miraclestrue miracles 1. They were immediate. 1. They were immediate. 2. There were multiple miracles. 2. There were multiple miracles. 3. They were connected with a truth claim in the 3. They were connected with a truth claim in the

name of God. name of God. 4. They had a predictive element in them4. They had a predictive element in them..

B. Biblical miracles happened (point 6).B. Biblical miracles happened (point 6).C. Therefore, biblical miracles are true miracles.C. Therefore, biblical miracles are true miracles.D. True miracle confirm the truth claim connected D. True miracle confirm the truth claim connected

to them.to them.E. Hence, biblical miracles confirm Christ’s claim E. Hence, biblical miracles confirm Christ’s claim

to be God in human flesh (Point 8).to be God in human flesh (Point 8).

5. Miracles Can Confirm a Message is from God Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2008.

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