A “seemingly” dead man raised to life?

In the main I agree with Dr. McCune’s biblical understanding of the place of miracles in the NT. Where we might part ways is whether “the need for miracles has ceased.”

I share the concerns of many over the hype with anecdotal evidence of miracles. This is especially true because of the finality and sufficiency of the Word of God. I remain open to God using miraculous means in pioneer gospel encounters where the Word of God is not present, means which are not revelatory in the sense of adding to Scripture.

Several years ago I wrote about this on SI. I stand by it today (or most of it). I am skeptical of most miracle claims at least initially but am not prepared to deny them totally.

http://sharperiron.org/article/dreams-and-visions

I need to add a few more thoughts to my sketch re: biblical miracles, hopefully to clarify my earlier thoughts. I am preparing a more lengthy article for another venue on miracles—their purpose, interpretation, cessation and other issues.

Biblical miracles, as understood here, were accomplished in the physical realm. They transcended, if not contradicted, the laws of physical science and were not reproducible by the principles of modern science. Miracles involved a direct imposition of divine omnipotence into the time-space-mass complex, as over against the work of providence which employed secondary causation. There are no “miracles of providence.” To preserve their unique, narrow teaching value, God has been very conservative, if not somewhat stingy, with the use of miracles. In keeping with their purpose of attestation and its historical fulfillment, miracles are not needed and thus, in my understanding, are not now occurring. Further, since God’s preservation and control of the universe is through secondary causation (e.g., Psalm 148:8), a would-be miracle would be so heavily enmeshed in this almost infinite web of interconnection of cause and effect so as to be impossible to detect.

A divine miracle also needed a divinely-enabled, infallible interpreter or its meaning was lost.This was usually a prophet, apostle or one capable of handling special revelation . E.g., when God testified from the clouds about His Son, by-standers thought it thundered or an angel had spoken (John 12:27-30). Jesus’ words and John’s record is proof of miraculous activity. This necessary accompaniment for miracles would seem impossible to provide after the first century.

As to the commands to not spread the news of a miraculous occurrence is concerned, some no doubt were to ward off excessive publicity and the confusion and possible uprising among the populace (e.g., Mark 7:36). Their lack of necessary understanding might have led to a premature revolution. One incident was a delay so that a testimony could be made to the Levitical priest of what had happened (Matt 8:4).Others took place after incident of the unpardonable sin when the fate of the nation’s destruction was sealed (e.g., Matt 16:20; 17:9). The nation’s apostate spiritual leadership had pushed it over the point of no return; further signs were no remedy. Thus Paul’s strictures against further sign-seeking (1 Cor 1:18-25).

More can be said here—more texts, biblical, theological and historical material.

Dr. McCune’s analysis of the subject of miracles is an excellent, balanced approach to this issue. We tend to label so much as “miracle” that we lessen the significance of the word and event. Many people seem to be so anxious for some “sign” to help them through this difficult world that they gravitate toward anything that will give them hope for another day, opening themselves to crooks and deceivers such as Benny Hinn.

Going back to the original article which started this discussion: Platt should explain and clarify his position on this event and what he believes about modern claims of the miraculous.

[Rolland McCune]

I am preparing a more lengthy article for another venue on miracles—their purpose, interpretation, cessation and other issues.

In what venue will this “more lengthy article” appear, and when?