FAQ - MIRACLES
Please explain `John 14:12`: "Verily,
verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and
greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (J.A.B.)
<ANSWER>--Whatever may be the meaning of the Master's words, it is obvious
that not any of His followers have ever been able to do "greater works" than He
accomplished as regards the miraculous works of opening the blind eyes, unstopping the
deaf ears, raising the dead, stilling the tempest, etc. The "works," therefore,
must be of a different nature, or upon a larger scale. Both of these are true. The last
expression of the verse should be noted in this connection- -"because I go unto my
Father." Our Lord, when he ascended on high, and had presented the merits of His
sacrifice in behalf of His followers, could then bestow the holy Spirit of sonship upon
those who, through faith and obedience, would become members of His Church. These
receiving the holy Spirit, or power of God, would be enabled to accomplish the
"greater works" of opening the spiritually blind eyes, unstopping the
spiritually deaf ears, raising to spiritual life those who were dead in trespasses and
sins, and stilling the tempests of the soul; all of which, from the Divine viewpoint, is a
far greater work than the merely physical healing, etc. Then again, when the Church of
Christ has been glorified in the Heavenly state, the work of raising the dead, and
healing, blessing and restoring to full life and health and joy and happiness, will be
executed on a world-wide scale, for the promise is that all the families of the earth will
be blessed through "The Seed of Abraham"--Jesus and the members of His Body, the
Church. (`Gen. 22:18`; `Gal. 3:27-29`.)
Are we to accept the Bible account of the miracles that were performed in olden
times? Why are not miracles performed in our day? (Doubtful.)
<ANSWER>--This is an age of miracles, with messages being flashed thousands
of miles through space, and under the seas, and around the globe. Marvelous discoveries
and wonderful inventions are being made almost daily. Some of the achievements of our
times almost eclipse those of former days, even the miracles of which we read in the
Scriptures. As a matter of fact, miracles are transpiring all about us continually. The
reproduction of living organism, either animal or vegetable, is beyond our comprehension,
as well as beyond our power--hence miraculous. We can see the exercise of life principle,
but can neither understand it nor produce it. Two seeds are planted side by side; the
conditions, air, water, and soil are alike; they grow we cannot tell how, nor can the
wisest philosopher explain this miracle. These seeds develop characteristics that are
exactly opposite, though the conditions were the same. The Creator who formed all of the
marvels that we see about us in the material world, would surely be able to perform the
miracles narrated in the Bible, and therefore, we need have no doubts as to their
authenticity.