MIRACLES & BELIEF

In Acts 9, we read that “all that dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him (Aeneas) and turned to the Lord” (v.35), and with reference to the raising of Dorcas, “It was known throughout all Joppa: and many believed in the Lord” (v.42). The question was raised about the relationship between seeing a miracle and belief and turning to the Lord. It was suggested that if these miracles took place today, many would still turn to the Lord. Others were not quite so sure, and reference was made to Luk 16:31  where it states that people would not be persuaded even though one rose from the dead.

There is a need to differentiate between believing because we have seen, and the blessing that comes on those who have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20:29). There is a need for us to recognise that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb 11:6).

The Apostle John  has some interesting things to say on this subject. He writes of the Lord that “though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him” (John 12:37).

The Lord performed many miracles, healing the sick, opening the eyes of the blind, raising the dead, etc. Though the miracles occurred before their very eyes, the people by and large failed to believe in Him, but obstinately hardened their hearts against the truth. Such indeed is the nature of the sin of unbelief, and so deeply rooted is it, that the most powerful means, and mighty works, will not bring a person to believe in Christ, without the even more powerful influence of the grace of God.

In his gospel John often records his own reflections on the scenes he describes. Here in John 12:37, having arrived at what was virtually the close of our Lord’s public ministry, he comes to the conclusion that our Lord’s ministry was largely fruitless on the bulk of the now doomed people. They had a kind of intellectual faith, but were filled with doubts when they could not understand. There was no real trust.

Similarly in Mat 11:20, it is recorded that mighty works did not lead to repentance in many cities of Galilee. As far as John was concerned, led by the Holy Spirit, this lack of faith fulfilled the OT prophecy of Isa 53:1.

Certainly a number did turn to the Lord because of miracles, but they would appear to  be the exception rather than the rule, and sometimes it was faith based on sight.