I. Today’s Miracles are Different than the Apostolic Gift of Miracles in the Bible

Today’s miracles differ from the “gift of miracles” given to God’s spokesman in the Bible.

A. What Was the “Gift of Miracles”?

In Part 1, we learned that the “gift of miracles” was a rare, purposeful, and powerful sign confirming God’s message and his messengers.

To clarify, the “gift of miracles” differs from today’s miracles (Geisler 2005, 671–678).

The “gift of miracles” was a special ability given to the apostles to confirm new truths (2 Cor. 12:12). Specifically, these miracles confirmed God’s messengers and their Biblical message (Acts 2:22; Heb. 2:4).

In the early Church, the apostles possessed the gift of miracles (1 Cor. 12:10; 2 Cor. 12:12) which meant they could:

• Heal instantly and completely
• Speak with God’s authority
• Confirm new doctrine

Their miracles were:

• Immediate
• Public
• Undeniable
• Doctrinally authoritative

In short, they were signs that the apostle’s message was from God because they had been sent by God (Eph. 2:20; Acts 2:22).

Moreover, of all miracles, Jesus’ resurrection is the greatest. And importantly, the resurrection is the basis for Christianity

B. The Apostolic “Gift of Miracles” Has Ceased

However, the apostolic “gift of miracles” ceased once we had everything God wanted us to know about him and how to live a godly life (2 Tim. 3:16–17; Rev. 22:18; cf. Heb. 1:1–2).

But, that doesn’t mean miracles themselves have stopped.

Let’s explore how miracles changed after the apostles’ deaths, what the Bible says about today’s miracles, and how we can recognize God’s hand in our lives today.

II. Does God Perform Miracles Today?

A. Yes! But Differently

Indeed, God is still a God of power, compassion, and glory. He still performs miracles, but not through apostles with special authority. Instead, he works:

• Through prayer
• Through providential timing
• Through his Spirit, directly in our lives

Jesus is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). Therefore, we can trust that God still acts for his purposes, not merely our demands.

B. Why It Makes Sense That Miracles Still Happen

If God created the universe, he could certainly work within it. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “If we admit God, must we admit miracles? Indeed, indeed, you have no security against it. That is the bargain.” (Lewis 1947, 72)

In fact, God’s character hasn’t changed:

• He’s still compassionate (Matt. 14:14)
• He’s still powerful (Luke 1:37)
• He’s still near to his people (Ps. 77:14)

Additionally, Scripture supports the miracles occurring today:

• “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it…” (John 14:12–14)
• “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7–11)

C. But Today’s Miracles Have a Different Purpose

Unlike apostolic miracles, today’s miracles don’t confirm new revelation (i.e., Scripture).

Instead, God acts directly, by his Spirit, for his purposes. These miracles:

• Show God’s compassion, power, and presence
• Bring glory to God and point us back to Christ
• Encourage faith and remind us that God is near
• Align with and confirm Scripture; never contradict it

D. How Should We Think About Today’s Miracles?

Today’s miracles often happen without fanfare. They can be answered prayers for healing, provision, timing, and salvation. They may not be dramatic or public, but nonetheless, they are still genuine acts of divine power.

Sometimes, we miss miracles because they don’t look like we expect. And while we shouldn’t need miracles to believe, paradoxically, our belief often helps us see miracles (John 20:29).

Even though miracles occur today, we don’t always recognize them. Today’s miracles result from the work of the Holy Spirit, who still moves powerfully in the world.

E. Types of Today’s Miracles

Today’s miracles include:

• Most importantly, salvation and transformed hearts
• Answered prayer, healing, provision, or protection
• Restored broken relationships
• Divine timing
• Healings
• Divine guidance

In many cases, God uses ordinary means to produce extraordinary outcomes.

In fact, worldwide miracles are occurring wherever the gospel is spreading rapidly.

Overall, the fact of miracles happening today invites worship and reminds us that God is nearby.

III. Living by Faith, Not by Signs

A. Proper Perspective on Today’s Miracles

Importantly, today’s miracles should not and do not guarantee faith. Why? Because:

• Many people who saw Jesus’ signs chose not to believe in him (John 12:37)
• True faith is based on the gospel, not on wonders (Rom. 10:17)
• We should walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7)

Some Christians fall into the trap of chasing signs, believing that miracles are the ultimate goal of belief. But ultimately, our faith should rest on Jesus, not signs (1 Cor. 15:17; Jn. 20:29).

Our attitude toward miracles should be one of obedience and submission. Miracles aren’t earned or guaranteed. However, when we obey and trust God, we put ourselves in the best position to see him work (2 Cor. 5:7).

Thus, our faith rests in his promises, not seeing miraculous signs.

B. We are Not to Demand Miracles

It is appropriate for believers to pray boldly and expect God to act (Eph. 3:20), yet miracles are not guaranteed. God works according to his will, not ours.

We must trust God to act but not demand miracles. Scripture reminds us that our faith rests on Jesus, not signs (1 Cor. 15:17; Jn. 20:29). Let your prayers and trust in Jesus lead you to worship.

We shouldn’t base our faith on miracles but respond rightly (Eph. 3:20; Jas. 5:16).

C. The Proper Attitude for Today’s Miracles

Therefore, we should maintain a faith-filled yet humble attitude to ensure we recognize contemporary miracles. We should:

• Believe God can do great things (Eph. 3:20).
• Pray expectantly but not demandingly.
• Trust him even if he says “no” (2 Cor. 12:9).

Even faithful believers don’t always receive the miracles they pray for. Nonetheless, they steadfastly trust God even when he says no to their prayers for miracles.

For example, Paul prayed to God three times to heal him of his thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7–8). But God said no. Why?

Jesus wanted Paul to learn a lesson. That lesson was that the Lord’s grace was sufficient even in suffering and that Christ’s “power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).

Undoubtedly, God’s greatest miracles often happen in our hearts, not in spectacular displays.

IV. A Summary of Today’s Miracles

Today, the greatest miracle of all is salvation through Jesus Christ.

Indeed, God still does miracles today. But they are:

• Not done through apostolic authority.
• Not to confirm new doctrinal truth.
• Not guaranteed on demand.

Significantly, they:

• Reflect God’s mercy and power.
• Strengthen faith and glorify Jesus,
• Affirm what we already know through Scripture.
• Remind us that we serve a living, active God who is near.
• May be undramatic, but nonetheless real.

In conclusion, today’s miracles always point back to God and the truth of Scripture. Ensuring our faith rests in Scripture and Jesus’s finished work, not signs and miracles.

Resources

1. Admin. “Can Miracles Still Happen Today?” Biblical Christianity. September 18, 2021. https://biblical-christianity.com/can-miracles-still-happen-today.
2. Bible Hub. “Does God Still Perform Today’s Miracles?” Accessed May 9, 2025. https://biblehub.com/q/does_god_still_perform_miracles_today.htm.
3. Geisler, Norman L. Systematic Theology, Volume Four: Church, Last Things. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2005.
4. GotQuestions.org. “Does God Still Perform Miracles?” Last updated July 5, 2023. https://www.gotquestions.org/miracles-Bible.html.
5. Holcomb, Justin. “Why Don’t We See Miracles Like the Apostles Did?” The Gospel Coalition. May 27, 2014. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-dont-we-see-miracles/.(The Gospel Coalition)
6. Jarrett, Ed. “Does God Perform Miracles Now as He Did in the Bible?” Christianity.com. March 27, 2020. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/does-god-perform-miracles-now-as-he-did-in-the-bible.html.
7. Lewis, C. S. Miracles: A Preliminary Study. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1947.
8. Piper, John. “Why Do We See So Few Today’s Miracles?” Desiring God. April 30, 2018. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/why-do-we-see-so-few-miracles-today.
9. The Disciplemaker Team. “Do Miracles Still Happen Today?” The Disciplemaker (NavPress). April 9, 2019. https://www.navpress.com/sites/thedisciplemaker/2019/04/do-miracles-still-happen-today/.