What is the spiritual gift of miracles?

The spiritual gift of miracles is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10. This gift involves God’s power working through a believer to perform supernatural wonders that reveal God’s truth and glory. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about this spiritual gift:

Definition of the Gift of Miracles

The Greek word translated “miracles” in 1 Corinthians 12:10 is dunamis, which refers to deeds of power. The spiritual gift of miracles is God’s power working through a believer to authenticate the truth of the gospel and glorify Christ. Miracles transcend the laws of nature and surpass human capabilities through divine intervention. Examples in Scripture include healings, supernatural protection from harm, power over nature, victory in spiritual warfare, and even raising the dead.

Purpose of the Gift of Miracles

In Scripture, miracles had several key purposes:

• To glorify God – Miracles manifest God’s power and presence, exalting His greatness (John 2:11). They point people to the glory and supremacy of Christ (John 11:4).
• To authenticate Christ’s identity – Jesus performed miracles to confirm He was the Messiah, validating His authority and message (John 10:38). The apostles also did miracles to verify their divine commission (Acts 5:12).
• To advance the gospel – Miracles helped spread the gospel in new regions, breaking spiritual strongholds (Acts 8:6-8). God used them to aid missionaries (Acts 14:3).
• To meet human needs – Miracles expressed God’s compassion and care for people’s suffering (Matthew 14:14). However, meeting physical needs was secondary to spiritual needs.
• To instill faith – For those with hearts open to God, miracles could produce belief in Christ (John 2:11). But miracles alone are not enough to convert hardened hearts (Luke 16:31).

In summary, the main goals of miracles are to glorify God, confirm the message of Christ, advance the mission of the gospel, meet people’s needs, and instill faith. They act as signs pointing to the power of Christ.

Possession of the Gift of Miracles

The gift of miracles is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to selected believers as He determines (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Not all Christians possess this gift. Scripture indicates miraculous gifts were distributed according to God’s wisdom and the needs of the early church.

The apostles clearly had a measure of authority in performing wonders that other believers did not possess, as seen in Peter’s unique powers of healing (Acts 5:15-16). As the foundation of the church, the apostles’ ability to work miracles helped verify their authority as Christ’s witnesses (2 Corinthians 12:12).

While the apostolic age likely experienced more frequent miracles, God still grants this gift today. Around the world, many report God working miracles through their lives and ministries. However, the authority to work miracles at will belonged uniquely to the apostles and their close associates.

Use of the Gift of Miracles

For those who have the gift of miracles, here are a few principles on using it properly:

• Miracles must glorify God, not the person – Pride over miraculous gifts was a temptation even for the apostles (Acts 8:9-11). Miracle workers must ensure glory goes to God not themselves.
• Miracles must align with Scripture – God will not empower a so-called miracle that contradicts His Word and His nature as revealed in the Bible. All manifestations of this gift must be weighed carefully against Scripture (1 Corinthians 14:29).
• Miracle working requires faith and power from God – Even Jesus could not do miracles in certain places due to people’s lack of faith and the spiritual climate (Mark 6:5-6). Miracles happen according to God’s sovereign will, not the whims of men.
• Miracles are not magic – Though supernatural, miracles are not like the illusions of magicians. They are real manifestations of God’s power. And they are not tools to manipulate God or get what we selfishly want.
• Miracles may not happen when or how we expect – Sometimes God chooses not to work miracles for reasons we don’t understand (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). God’s ways are higher than ours. We must accept His timing and will.

In summary, miracle workers must ensure the glory goes to God, evaluate miraculous manifestations against Scripture, rely on God’s power and timing, understand miracles are not magic tricks, and accept that God works in mysterious ways.

Cautions Regarding Miracles

The Bible offers several notes of caution regarding miracles:

• Miracles can draw undeserved attention to the person – Jesus discouraged announcing miracles publicly to avoid self-promotion (Matthew 9:30). Even righteous biblical figures faced this temptation.
• Miracles alone don’t guarantee faith – People who saw Christ’s miracles still rebelled against Him. Scripture states miracles can produce faith (John 2:23), but also that many people believed in Jesus without seeing signs (John 20:29).
• Evil forces can counterfeit miracles – Jesus warned of false prophets who will perform false signs and miracles not from God (Matthew 24:24). We must evaluate all miraculous manifestations by Scripture.
• Working miracles doesn’t guarantee righteousness – Jesus said false prophets can work wonders yet be evildoers (Matthew 7:22-23). Miracles prove the power of Christ, not necessarily the holiness of the human vessel.
• Miracles are not for selfish gain – Simon desired the apostles’ gift for power and profit (Acts 8:18-19). Miracles should not be used to gain money, influence, fame, or other selfish goals.

In closing, the gift of miracles is an amazing testimony to God’s love, glory, truth and power. But it must be handled carefully and wisely with pure motivations, for His glory alone.

Examples of the Gift of Miracles

Here are some biblical examples that reveal key insights about the spiritual gift of miracles:

Moses Parts the Red Sea (Exodus 14)

This colossal miracle allowed the Israelites to escape Egypt’s armies. Key points:

• It glorified God’s power over nature and all other gods.
• God did it in response to Moses’ faith despite seeming “impossible” circumstances.
• The miracle authenticated Moses as God’s spokesman.
• It produced belief in God for the Israelites who witnessed it.

Elijah Raises a Boy from Death (1 Kings 17:17-24)

The great prophet Elijah raised a widow’s son who had died. Key insights:

• The miracle displayed God’s compassion and care for those in need.
• It confirmed that Elijah was a true man of God with authority to work wonders.
• The widow’s faith in Elijah’s miracle led her to faith in the word of the Lord.
• Elijah insisted that the glory go to God alone, not himself.

Jesus Heals a Paralytic (Luke 5:17-26)

Christ healed a paralyzed man lowered through a roof by his friends. We see that:

• The miracle showed Christ’s authority to forgive sins, which outraged the religious leaders.
• It validated His identity as the promised Messiah who works wonders.
• It revealed God’s mercy in removing suffering due to sin in the world.
• The crowds responded in awe and praise to God.

Peter and John Heal a Lame Beggar (Acts 3:1-10)

When Peter and John miraculously healed a crippled beggar, key truths emerge:

• They did it by the power of Christ, not their own (v 6).
• They clarified that it was faith in Christ that had healed the man (vv 12-16).
• They used the miracle as a gospel opportunity to preach Christ (vv 11-26).
• The miracle astonished many and increased interest in the gospel.

These examples provide great models for how God can work miracles today for His glory and purpose. They instruct us in exercising this gift centered on God’s truth and will.

Guidance for Churches Regarding Miracles

For churches seeking to wisely handle expressions of the gift of miracles, here are some helpful guidelines:

• Test all miraculous manifestations against Scripture – Does it align with God’s nature and ways as revealed in the Bible? Beware anything contradicting or adding to Scripture (1 Corinthians 14:29; Revelation 22:18-19).
• Ensure Christ’s exaltation – Do the claimed miracles glorify God and validate the authority of Christ? Or do they wrongly exalt a person or experience? (Matthew 7:22-23; Acts 8:9-11)
• Examine fruit in a person’s life – Do they exhibit the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, etc.? Does their lifestyle align with biblical standards of holiness? (Matthew 7:15-23)
• Consider a person’s handling of miracles – Do they avoid improper use of miracles like financial profit, combative power displays, or gathering fame? (Acts 8:18-22)
• Focus on Christ-centered gospel purposes – Do the miracles aid evangelism and outreach unto salvation? Are they performed from merciful and loving motives? (Matthew 14:14; Acts 3:1-10)
• Keep order in corporate gatherings – Do environments where miracles occur emphasize order, love and edifying speech? Or disorder, confusion and disruption? (1 Corinthians 14:26-33)

Churches must approach claims of miracles with wisdom, discernment and humility, carefully measuring everything by God’s Word. When done properly, miraculous gifts can powerfully advance the gospel for God’s glory.

Conclusion

The spiritual gift of miracles is an astonishing testimony to God’s mighty power and grace toward humanity in confirming His truth and advancing His kingdom. Scripture gives wise principles for utilizing and evaluating miracles centered on exalting Christ and aligning with God’s will and purposes. While not all Christians possess this gift, churches must exercise discernment when miracles are claimed, ensuring they come from God and bring Him glory. Above all, the purpose of miracles is to turn people’s eyes upon Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.