APOLOGETICS

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APOLOGETICS

MIRACLES

MiraclesMatthew 14:22-332 Kings 6:1-7Exodus 3:1-4I Kings 17:7-24

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Characteristics of MiraclesA true miracle

Has an unnatural dimension that commands attention Burning bush not consumed, fire from heaven, ax

head floatsHas a theological dimension that presupposes a God who can work miraclesHas a moral dimension that reveals the character of God Miracles bless, showing the love and mercy of

God Miracles punish, showing the justice of God

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Characteristics of MiraclesA true miracle

Has a teleological dimension, a goal to accomplish, a purpose driving what actually happens To glorify God, to declare Jesus to be divine, to

edify the Church, etc.Has a doctrinal dimension Miracles directly or indirectly verify truth claims

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Characteristics of Miracles A miracle is an event that is contrary

in some way to natural lawA temporary suspension of a natural lawA change in the rate of a process governed by natural law

A miracle produces immediate resultsA miracle always brings glory to GodA miracle never fails

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Kinds of False Miracles Magical tricksPsychosomatic cursesAnomalies of natureSatanic signsFalse claims to resurrection

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What about Providence?James 1:17Matthew 5:45Acts 17:25Psalm 104:21, 27-28BirthGrowthHealth

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The Value of Miracles for an Apologist

ConfirmationActs 14:3Exodus 4:1-5John 20:30-31

Biblical miracles were intended to conduct, not to compel, humans to faith.

Luke 16:31Fact does not force faith, but faith cannot be divorced from fact.*

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Famous Objectors: David Hume

Miracles cannot occur. Here’s why:A miracle is a supposed event that is

contrary to the laws of natureEverything that happens occurs within

natureSo nothing that happens can be contrary to

the laws of natureHence, miracles cannot occur

Key assumption: EmpiricismCorollary assumption: Naturalism

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Famous Objectors: Antony Flew

A miracle is of value only if it can be identifiedChristians assume God’s existence in order to identify miracles that confirm God’s existenceThis is a circular argumentThere is no definition of miracle that is adequate to identify an occurrence as being a miracle

Key assumption: Only Christians resort to “properly basic beliefs”

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Can Miracles be ruled out of existence?

Once identified adequately, it would be impossible to rule them out of existence.

Here’s why:It’s impossible to prove a universal negative

proposition.To demonstrate “No S is P” requires the

objector to be OmniscientOmnipresentEternal

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History’s Greatest Miracle?The conception of Jesus• No male gamete• No sin nature• Radical alteration

of conditions of life for the Son

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History’s Greatest Miracle

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History’s Greatest MiracleHe claimed it would happen

Matthew 16:21People saw it happen

1 Corinthians 15:3-8His resurrected body was experienced by

the disciples1 John 1:1-3

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History’s Greatest MiracleHistory shows that the witnesses suffered for

what they knew to be the truth about the miracleThe soldiers The disciples

In the spirit of Jerry McGuire, the new sect could have been stopped dead in its tracks by one thing:“Show me the dead body”But the skeptics could not show them the dead body: Matthew 27:62-66, Acts 2:23-24