The Cessation Of Bible Miracles

Introduction: Scripture Reading- I Cor. 13:8-10

A. Definition of miracles

B. Importance of miracles in the Bible

C. Question: Do miracles still happen today?

Discussion:

I. The Purpose of Miracles in the Bible

A. 3-fold Purpose throughout the Bible but mainly in the NT

1. Confirm God’s Word, the gospel

2. Demonstrate God’s power

3. Produce faith in God in those who did not already believe

B. Does the Bible fulfill the purpose and mission?

1. Mark 16:20; John 20:30-31

2. Rom. 10:17; Rom. 1:16-17; I Cor. 1:18-31

3. The gospel and written Word fulfills the purpose of miracles today.

II. The Cessation of Miracles

A. Completion of the Scriptures

1. Paul said there would come a time when it would be complete. (I Cor. 13:8-12) perfect- teleios: complete, completeness

2. The sufficiency of Scripture for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

3. Peter says we have ALL things pertaining to life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3); Rom. 10:17; John 17:17

4. The role of Scripture in guiding believers without the need for additional signs and wonders

B. Once delivered, final

1. Jude 1:3-ff

2. Heb. 10:10-18 Jesus died once, offering a sacrifice for sin once, forever. Gal. 3:26 says we come in contact with is blood from that sacrifice through baptism. I Pet. 3:21 Baptism now saves us, it’s not the water, but coming in contact with his blood (the healing and forgiving power is in his blood and in our faith.)

III. The Continuing Work of God

God’s ongoing providence and intervention in the lives of His people
Heb. 1:1-2 God now speaks through Christ
John 1:1-14 Jesus is the Word
I John 1:7 We must walk in the light of the gospel so the blood of Jesus can continually wash us, assuming we have come in contact with the blood of Jesus already through baptism.

B. The role of prayer and faith in seeking God’s will and guidance

C. The promise of future miracles in the return of Christ and the resurrection of the dead

Conclusion:

A. The purposed of miracles is fulfilled in the power of the gospel.

B. The gospel and thus miracles were complete in the first century.

C. We should trust in the power of the gospel and trust God to fulfil the rest of his plan for Jesus to return and prepare for the Judgment Day.

D. Invitation