Topic(s): Miracles

Todd Clippard

One thing that needs to be established is this - "What exactly constitutes a miracle?"

Webster's Ninth Collegiate Dictionary aptly describes a miracle as “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.” To this we would add, when a true miracle was performed as recorded in the Bible, there was no room to doubt or dispute the intervention of God in the matter. Therefore, events such as conception and childbirth do not constitute a miracle.

In Acts 3:1-10, Peter healed the lame man at the temple gate. This man was over 40 years old (4:22) and had been lame from birth (3:2). Speaking of the priests and the Sadducees, the Bible says “. . . and beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it” (4:14). In a conference to discuss how to deal with Peter and John, they said among themselves, “what shall we do to these men? For that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it” (4:16).

This brings us to another point that must be considered with reference to the miracles recorded in the scriptures — the type of miracles performed. In Matthew 4:24, the following maladies are listed among those who were healed by Jesus: various diseases and torments, the demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics. In Matthew 11:5, Jesus cited the miracles He performed as proof to John and his disciples. Among those were healing the blind, the deaf, the lame, and raising the dead. Jesus claimed that John’s disciples were witnesses to the same (11:4). In Matthew 12:10-13, a man with a withered hand was brought to Jesus and healed in full view of all present, even Jesus' enemies.

This is not what we witness among today’s so-called "faith healers." I have seen men claim to fill cavities, heal headaches, itchy rashes, and the like, but no one causing the blind to see, the deaf to hear, or the lame to walk. I’ve seen men on television claim to do such, even raise the dead, but it always takes place in some far away land with no reliable means of confirmation. No one ever raises the dead in New York City, or even where I live in Marion County Alabama. Why not? I think we all know the reason - it can’t be done!

Consider the following facts – In 2003, noted "faith-healer" Benny Hinn came to our little town of Hamilton, AL. After landing at our airport in his private jet, he drove past our hospital, nursing home, and assisted living facility without stopping to help one person! He drove past them again on his way back to the airport . . . and again failed to stop! Wouldn't it make sense to stop and do a miracle if you wanted people to believe in the power of Jesus?

Also, Oral Roberts is one of the most well-known "faith-healers" in America. If he and his son can heal people, why did they build a hospital in Tulsa, OK, and why does his university have a medical school?

Though James Randi is an atheist, I recommend you obtain a copy of his book, "The Faith Healers." It documents Randi's exposure of the fraudulent practices of today's so-called "faith healers." One person who attended a faith healing service was cured of ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, the one healed was a man dressed as a woman! Incidentally, this man had been "healed" several times of non-existent diseases and maladies. Anyone with the spirit of Christ would have certainly known this man was planted. Jesus knew when people were trying to fool him (Matthew 22:15-22), so did the apostles (Acts 5:1-11). How come these people supposedly endowed with miraculous powers are unable to discern the truly sick from those who are not?

If people would use the Bible and the good sense God gave them, men like Benny Hinn, Oral Roberts, and others of their stripe would soon be out of the deception business.