Explain The Term Miracle

1 Pages 221 Words

PAPER 1 – CHRISTIANITY THROUGH A STUDY OF LUKE AND ACTS
R.S. GCSE 2005 Coursework Rebecca Gingell LVW
Ai) Explain the term ‘Miracle’
The Chambers 20th Century dictionary defines the term miracle as a supernatural event, a marvel or wonder. Today the word miracle is generally believed by Christians as an event that 2apparently contradicts the laws of nature and transcends human power. In Jesus’ day these happenings were not viewed as freak occurrences, but as signs of God’s action. At one time miracles were much more important to the argument between religion and science than they are today. Despite this, there are still some churches which claim miracles continue to happen today, especially healing miracles.
There are considered to be four types of miracle – healing, casting out demons, power over nature and raising people from the dead. The miracle stories of the New Testament are used to prove to people the existence of God, the divinity of Jesus Christ and the legitimacy of the church. In the New Testament, Luke’s miracle stories are not there to merely tell a story. They help us to understand the meaning of Jesus. The miracles prove not only Jesus’ power, but his love for his people. Luke reports about thirty-five miracles in his gospel....