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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Nov 248 min read

What Is a Miracle and How Does It Differ from Natural Processes?


A miracle, from a biblical perspective, is not merely an unusual or extraordinary event but a specific act of divine intervention that overrides or interrupts the natural order of things. The Bible defines a miracle as a demonstration of God's power, which suspends or transcends the ordinary laws of nature. This understanding immediately contrasts with the naturalistic worldview, which sees the universe as a closed system governed solely by natural laws and processes.


The Bible presents theistic miracles as actions performed by Jehovah, manifesting His will and power in the physical world. Psalm 77:14 declares, "You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples." This verse highlights that miracles are deliberate, purposeful acts that reveal God’s sovereignty and glory, standing as testimonies of His involvement in human affairs.


In contrast to secular definitions, which often include rare or coincidental events under the banner of miracles, Scripture delineates between acts that are divine in origin and those that are simply surprising within the natural realm. For instance, natural events like solar eclipses or unexpected weather patterns may astonish us but do not qualify as miracles since they follow natural laws, even if they are not fully understood. Miracles, on the other hand, are distinct as they arise from divine intervention, with examples like Jesus turning water into wine (John 2:1-11) or raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44).



How Do Miracles Fit into God's Sovereign Plan?


God's sovereignty over all creation is a central theme in understanding the nature and purpose of miracles. Jehovah, being the Creator, is not bound by the laws of nature; instead, He established those laws. Genesis 1:1 teaches, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational truth establishes that the universe and its natural order exist because of God's creative power. Therefore, He has the authority to alter or intervene in that natural order whenever He sees fit, which is precisely what happens in a miracle.


Scripture shows that miracles are never arbitrary but are always purposeful, serving to fulfill God's will and plan. For example, the miracles performed during Israel's Exodus from Egypt, such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22), were not random displays of power but deliberate acts to deliver His chosen people and demonstrate His authority over both Egypt and the false gods of the Egyptians. Similarly, the miracles performed by Jesus during His ministry were signs of His divine authority and fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 35:5-6; Matthew 11:4-5).


Miracles often serve to validate God's messengers and His message. This is particularly evident in the life of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:22 states, "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know." Here, the apostle Peter highlights that Jesus' miracles were divine confirmations of His identity and mission. In the same way, throughout the Old and New Testaments, miracles frequently accompany God's revelation to affirm its truth and the legitimacy of His servants (Exodus 4:1-5; Hebrews 2:4).



How Does the Bible Differentiate Between True Miracles and False Wonders?


While Scripture affirms the reality of true miracles, it also warns of deceptive signs and wonders that can lead people astray. The Bible makes it clear that not all supernatural occurrences come from Jehovah. In Deuteronomy 13:1-3, the Israelites were warned about false prophets who might perform signs or wonders but lead the people away from the worship of Jehovah. "If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods, which you have not known, and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet."


This distinction is essential because miracles in the biblical sense are not just supernatural; they are specifically acts that come from God and lead people to worship and obey Him. False miracles, often empowered by demonic or deceptive forces, aim to confuse or mislead people (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). Even Satan, according to Scripture, can perform "signs and false wonders" to deceive those who are perishing (2 Thessalonians 2:9). Therefore, discerning the source of a miracle—whether it comes from God or from other spiritual forces—is crucial.



Are Miracles Consistent with Natural Laws?


One common objection to miracles is the claim that they violate or contradict natural laws. However, this objection presupposes that natural laws are inviolable and absolute, independent of any divine control. The biblical view, however, is that natural laws themselves are part of God's creation and are subject to His sovereign will. As Colossians 1:16-17 affirms, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."


Natural laws describe the regular patterns and consistencies in God's creation. For instance, gravity operates consistently because God upholds the universe in an orderly fashion. However, since God established these laws, He is free to override them if He chooses to do so. A miracle, therefore, is not a violation of natural law but a temporary suspension or alteration of it by the same God who created it.


When Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:25), He temporarily suspended the natural law of gravity. Yet, this act did not imply that gravity ceased to exist or that natural laws were somehow invalidated; rather, it demonstrated God's ability to control and supersede the natural order for His purposes. In this light, miracles are not contradictions to nature but confirmations of God's lordship over both the natural and supernatural realms.



Why Are Miracles Important for Christian Apologetics?


Miracles play a critical role in Christian apologetics, particularly in demonstrating the reality of God's intervention in history and validating the truth of biblical revelation. From an apologetic perspective, miracles provide evidence that God is active in the world and that His message is true. As Hebrews 2:3-4 explains, "It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will."


The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most significant miracle in Christian theology and the cornerstone of Christian apologetics. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:14, "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain." The resurrection, being a miraculous event, provides ultimate validation of Jesus' claims to divinity and His victory over sin and death. This miracle, witnessed by many and recorded in Scripture, serves as the foundation for the Christian hope of eternal life (1 Peter 1:3-4).


Moreover, miracles authenticate the messengers of God. When Moses performed signs in Egypt (Exodus 7-12) or when the apostles healed the sick and cast out demons (Acts 5:12-16), these acts served to validate their divine commissioning. The ability to perform miracles confirmed that they were speaking on God's behalf, making their message authoritative and trustworthy.



How Do Miracles Point to the Nature and Character of God?


Miracles in Scripture are not only demonstrations of divine power but also revelations of God's character and nature. Throughout the Bible, miracles are expressions of God's attributes—His love, mercy, justice, and holiness. When Jesus healed the sick and fed the hungry, He revealed God's compassion and provision for humanity (Matthew 14:13-21). When God parted the Red Sea to deliver Israel from Pharaoh's army, He demonstrated His faithfulness to His covenant people and His ability to save (Exodus 14:21-31).


Additionally, miracles often serve to glorify God by manifesting His divine nature in a way that leads people to worship and reverence Him. In John 9, Jesus healed a man born blind, and the miracle led to a profound theological dialogue, ultimately revealing Jesus as the Light of the world (John 9:5). In response to the miracle, the man confessed faith in Jesus, declaring, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped Him (John 9:38). This pattern shows that miracles are designed not merely to meet human needs but to direct people toward faith and trust in Jehovah.



Are Miracles Still Possible Today?


While the Bible provides numerous accounts of miracles throughout history, the question remains: Are miracles still possible today? According to Christian theology, the possibility of miracles continues as long as Jehovah remains sovereign over creation. Hebrews 13:8 affirms, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever," implying that God's power and willingness to intervene in the world have not changed.


However, it is essential to recognize that while miracles are possible, they are not commonplace. Miracles are extraordinary by nature and serve specific purposes in God’s redemptive plan. They are not performed randomly or capriciously but occur when God desires to reveal His glory, confirm His message, or accomplish His divine will. As seen in the ministry of the apostles, miracles were often associated with the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the church (Acts 4:29-31).



What Role Do Miracles Play in Faith and Belief?


Although miracles can serve as powerful evidence for the truth of Christianity, Scripture also teaches that faith should not be based solely on miracles. While miracles can confirm and strengthen faith, they are not the foundation of faith. Jesus Himself warned against relying on signs and wonders as the sole basis for belief. In John 4:48, He said, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." Here, Jesus emphasizes that true faith goes beyond the miraculous and is rooted in trust in God's word and character.


Furthermore, the Bible records instances where people witnessed miracles and yet still did not believe. Despite seeing the plagues in Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, many Israelites doubted God’s ability to lead them into the Promised Land (Numbers 14:11). This shows that miracles, while powerful, do not guarantee belief. Faith, according to Hebrews 11:1, "is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." True faith rests on God's promises and His revealed truth, not merely on extraordinary events.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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