Miracles and Science
A miracle is defined as an event that defies natural laws and can be accounted for only by a supernatural explanation and not scientifically. Natural laws do not apply to God since He is not a natural being. For instance, the First Law of Thermodynamics states that neither matter nor energy can be created or destroyed in nature. Nothing in nature can break this law. But since God is the Creator of nature, such a law does not apply to Him.
During biblical times, miracles played an important part in God’s workings with the humankind. Their purpose and design was to validate as truthful the claim and/or message of the one demonstrating the supernatural power.
At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus performed miracles to confirm His affirmation that the kingdom of God was near. Later, His claim of being the Son of God was shown to be reliable by the signs that He did (John 5:19-29). Also, when the apostles proclaimed that Jesus was the promised Messiah, their message was verified by the mighty works they demonstrated.
Miracles do not violate natural laws because those laws are simply man’s way of describing what happens “normally.” But natural laws do not tell us what cannot happen. Nor do they somehow imply that God Himself must do everything “normally.”
As Creator, God rules over everything, including nature’s laws. God has all authority, which means He can work miracles in His creation any way that He chooses. The Lord “doeth whatsoever pleaseth him” (Ecclesiastes 8:3).
God, by His miracle power over creation, holds the far-flung orbs of the universe in their appointed courses at the same time holds the particles of the atom in their predetermined orbits. By the power of God all things cohere. All the Laws of nature are subject to Him and are under His control (Psalm 104:1-35; Colossians 1:17).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team