Journal: Grace Journal
Volume: GJ 09:3 (Fall 1968)
Article: The Gospel Miracles—Their Nature and Apologetic Value
Author: William R. Eichhorst

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GJ 9:3 (Fall 68) p. 12

The Gospel Miracles—Their Nature and Apologetic Value

William R. Eichhorst

Chairman, Department of Theology
Winnipeg Bible College

Carnell has correctly analyzed the present secular attitude toward the miraculous when he states that “…the conflict between Christianity and the scientific method shows itself no more perspicuously than in the latter’s unequivocal, uncompromising judgment against the possibility of miracles.”1 The problem is not simply related to individual miracles. The controversy is with the whole principle of the possibility of the supernatural.

The purpose of this study is not to attempt a solution to every problem raised by the critic. Even if this could be done, it would not necessarily demand the faith of the unbelieving sinner. The Bible does however record the occurrence of many miracles and intends that they be recognized as an evidence of supernatural revelation. The purpose of this article is to discover the true nature of the Biblical miracles and to find what evidential value was intended in their occurrence. The study will attempt to find what positive self-authentication can be found in the Scriptures themselves where miracles are included in the revelation.

Because of the vastness of the subject and the limitations of this article, references will be confined largely to the miracles recorded in the Gospels.

Before proceeding to the burden of the study, two matters must be briefly discussed.

The Meaning of the Word “Miracle”

The word “miracle,” from the Latin word miraculum, is so translated in the New Testament of the Authorized Version from two Greek words. On twenty-two occasions the word sēmeion is translated “miracle.” This designation is employed to show that the supernatural event was a sign of divine authority. On eight occasions the word dunamis is translated “miracle” and the emphasis is here on the inherent ability of the agent. Frequently, supernatural events are also described as “wonders” through the use of the Greek words teras and thauma.

From the vocabulary of Scripture it can be observed that miracles are to be distinguished from works of providence, which are wrought through secondary causes, and from mere exotic occurrences of a “Believe It or Not” nature which fail to be “signs” teaching a lesson.

GJ 9:3 (Fall 68) p. 13

Buswell’s definition of a Biblical miracle is concise but comprehensive:

A miracle is (1) an extraordinary even...

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