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What is the evidence for miracles, since these events would require the existence of God?

Summary Point

Subpoints

Numerous accounts of healings and other acts of God have been experienced; many recorded in the Bible and contemporary books.

Also, any other evidence for God’s existence (e.g. including the origin of the universe) means miracles must be deemed possible.

  1. Supernatural events (miracles) are recorded in the Bible.

    • According to renowned Christian apologist Norman Geisler, “About 250 occurrences in Scripture fit the narrow definition of sign, wonder, or power. Since many references refer to multiple supernatural acts, the number of actual miraculous events is greater than the number of passages listed. Also, the Bible often refers to single events combining many miracles.”1

    • There are good reasons to believe that the Bible is historically reliable and divinely inspired. However, even if one rejects the divine inspiration of the Bible, certain miracle events can be believed based on embarrassing details included in the accounts. There are numerous examples; below are a few:

      • When Jesus calms a violent storm while in a boat with His disciples, He rebukes the disciples for their lack of faith.

        • As He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping. So the disciples came and woke Him up, saying, "Lord, save [us]! We're going to die!" But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, you of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this?-even the winds and the sea obey Him!" (Matthew 8:23-27 CSB emphasis added)

      • When Jesus healed a demon-possessed man the people of the town did not praise or worship Him, but rather begged Him to leave their area. This is an embarrassing reaction that likely would not have been included if the account was a lie.

        • Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region. (Matthew 8:34 NIV)

      • When Jesus appears to the disciples after the resurrection, He is worshiped, but some doubted. That last part is embarrassing and would not be included if the account was a lie.

        • When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. (Matthew 28:17 NIV)

  2. There are numerous testimonies of modern-day miraculous healings, and it is highly unlikely they are ALL fabrications or coincidences.

    • There are contemporary books that have documented miracles, including healings. Perhaps the most comprehensive is Craig Keener’s two-volume book Miracles, which provides a robust documentation of miracles from antiquity and modern times.

    • One example from Keener’s book: In July 2008, an eleven year old girl had a brain tumor that suddenly disappeared after prayer.2 Story cited below also included before/after MRI photos (photos to right are not from this story - see article).

  • Skeptics who reject the possibility of miracles do so based on philosophical reasons, not evidence.

    • Apologist Norman Geisler identifies the only way to truly reject miracles, is to disprove God, which is virtually impossible.3

    • Alleged miracles from non-Biblical source do not counter the Christianity. Demons have the ability to do signs that might be misinterpreted. This is not inconsistent with a Christian worldview.

  • Any other evidence for God’s existence makes miracles possible.

    • This point is NOT an argument FOR God – that would be circular reasoning. Rather, it is simply to dispel the notion that miracles are metaphysically impossible. Since a miracle is a supernatural event, any other arguments for God’s existence provides evidence for miracles.

    • Norman Geisler confirms this point: “If the theistic God exists, miracles are possible. If there is a God who can act, then there can be acts of God.”3

    • C.S. Lewis also supports this point: “If we admit God, must we admit Miracle? Indeed, indeed, you have no security against it. That is the bargain.”4

    • The origin of the universe is an extraordinary miracle supported by science. Other miracle accounts in the Bible, including those that are sometimes scoffed at (walking on water, etc.) are easy to believe when compared to the origin of the universe – creation of something from nothing.

Philosophy

Evidence

Links to external resources on this topic:

Anchor 1

Context:

  • What is the definition of a miracle? This word gets thrown around a lot, especially for dramatic sports plays. But a miracle is not simply something that is rare or dramatic. It is a very specific event whereby God supernaturally intervenes in the history of man in order to bring about a certain purpose. Norman Geisler, acclaimed Christian apologist, defines a miracle:

    • “A miracle is a special act of God that interrupts the natural course of events.”3

  • What are the purposes for miracles? Geisler provides 3 purposes for miracles (and Biblical references for these points):1

    1. Glorify God (John 2:11; 11:40).

    2. Accredit certain people as true prophets speaking on behalf of God (Acts 2:22; Hebrews 2:3-4).

    3. Provide evidence for God (John 6:2,14; 14:11; 20:30-31).

Anchor 2

Sources (complete reference information provided on SOURCE PAGE):

  1. Geisler, Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, p.482.

  2. Keener, Miracles, p.428 references Clint Yeatts, “Power of Prayer: Kayla Knight” on KLTV (an ABC affiliate), July 20, 2008. Http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=8699200.

  3. Geisler, Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, p.450.

  4. Geisler & Turek, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist, p.203 quotes C.S. Lewis, Miracles, (New York: Macmillan, 1947), p.106.

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