New Testament Miracles – Their Purpose And Duration
By: Bruce A. Brown
I. THE PURPOSE OF MIRACLES
A. Miracles were the means by which God:
- Authenticated (or, established the identity) of those sent by Him–And–
- Demonstrated their message to be His inspired word.
B. In the ministry of Jesus–Miracles confirmed His Identity and message,
- John 3:2
- John 20:30-31
C. In the ministry of the apostles–Miracles confirmed their identity and message,
- Mark 16:20
- Acts 14:3
- Heb. 2:3-4
D. Miracles served as proof that the words spoke came directly from God.
- The miracles and the message were inseparably connected (or, linked).
- Divine acts of power demonstrated the divine inspiration of the speaker– They confirmed the word as being divinely given!
E. Therefore:
- Miracles lasted only as long as inspired revelation was being given to men.
- When the revelation (contained in New Testament scripture) was completed, miracles ceased!
- There was no further need for miracles once the process of revelation had been completed and miraculously confirmed as the word of God.
The Purpose Of Miracles | The Purpose Was Accomplished | The Conferring Of Miraculous Powers | The Cessation Of Miracles