Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 49:193 (Jan 1892)
Article: The Miracles Of The Bible
Author: Abel H. Huizinga

BSac 49:193 (Jan 1892) p. 129

The Miracles Of The Bible

Abel H. Huizinga

The ordinary view as to the nature of the miracles of the Bible may be expressed as follows: God gives us a revelation of his truth and his will, and sends his Son Jesus Christ unto the world as the personal revelation, the Eternal Word, for the redemption and salvation of humanity. This revelation, however, and above all the person and work of Jesus Christ, had to be attested as genuine and truly divine, in order that it might be recognized and accepted as such, and in order that spurious revelations might be detected and exposed. As such attestations we have the miracles. Miracles, then, are such events in external nature or in history as cannot be wrought by natural forces or by human power, but only by the immediate efficiency or simple volition of God; and, being wrought by the immediate efficiency and simple volition of God, their purpose is to serve as the guarantee and voucher for the revelation which he has given, and to prove the divine mission of the prophets and teachers whom he sends, and, by inference, the truth of the doctrines which they teach in his name. But, although this view may be accepted as true to a certain extent, because the miracles undoubtedly served the purpose of gaining credence and confidence for the messengers whom God sent, yet in the ordinary treatment of this subject there is much that is unsatisfactory, because it is not based on a careful and thorough study of all the facts bearing upon the case. To state more clearly, therefore, and fully, than has been done

BSac 49:193 (Jan 1892) p. 130

hitherto, the occasion, scope, and design of the miracle, is the aim of this paper.

1. Negatively.—There are reasons for believing that the ordinary statements as to the occasion and design of the miracle must be received with some modifications and limitations. Although it is true that Christ points to the works which he does as showing his divine commission and as intended to win adherence (Matt. 11:3–5; John 5:20, 36; 10:25; 14:11, “Believe me for the very work’s sake”), yet, when called upon by unbelieving hearers to perform a miracle or give a sign to prove his Messiahship, he refuses (Matt. 12:38). A miracle cannot convert a man who will not believe the word of Christ or of the Scriptures. “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.” (Luke 16:31.)