Why Miracles of Old Are Not Apparent Today

Why Miracles of Old Are Not Apparent Today

QUESTION ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

How come miracles wielded of old in the biblical scriptures is not apparent in our current era?

MY REPLY:

Many believers wonder why the mighty miracles recorded in the Old Testament and the ministry of Christ—healings, signs, wonders, and supernatural deliverances—are not commonly seen in our present age. The answer lies in understanding God’s progressive revelation and His current focus: spiritual restoration through Christ, not physical demonstrations of power. When we rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV), the picture becomes clear.

Miracles in the Past: Signs for Israel

Throughout Scripture, miracles served a specific purpose. They were not random displays of power but signs to confirm God’s dealings with Israel. In Exodus, the miracles in Egypt (Exodus 7–12) demonstrated God’s supremacy over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. Later, the prophets such as Elijah and Elisha performed miracles to turn Israel back to Jehovah (1 Kings 18:36–39). During Christ’s earthly ministry, Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, and fed multitudes. These were signs to Israel that He was their promised Messiah. Yet Scripture records, “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him” (John 12:37, KJV). Miracles were confirmations of God’s covenant with Israel and His promises to them.

The Shift in God’s Program

When Israel rejected Christ and the kingdom offer, God revealed a new dispensation through the Apostle Paul: the dispensation of grace (Ephesians 3:2, KJV). In this age, God is not dealing with nations through signs and wonders but with individuals through faith in the finished work of Christ. Paul explains, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, KJV). He also writes, “The Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:22–23, KJV). Miracles were for Israel’s confirmation, but today God emphasizes faith in His Word, not reliance on visible signs.

God’s Present Focus: Spiritual Restoration

In this present age, God’s priority is not physical healing or outward miracles but spiritual transformation through the gospel. Paul declares, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1, KJV). He also writes, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV). The greatest miracle today is spiritual regeneration—a sinner made alive in Christ, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and assured of eternal life. This is far greater than temporary physical healing, because it addresses the eternal condition of the soul.

Why Physical Miracles Are Not Apparent

The absence of miracles today can be understood when we rightly divide Scripture. First, miracles belonged to Israel’s program, serving as signs to confirm the kingdom message. Second, faith is now central, as God calls us to believe His Word without needing outward proof. Third, His work today is inward, transforming hearts and minds rather than outward displays of power. Finally, we now have the completed Word of God. Miracles were partial confirmations, but today the Bible itself is the authority: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV).

God’s Sovereignty and Future Miracles

It must also be emphasized that God is sovereign. He can perform miracles at any time, according to His will and for His purpose. Scripture reminds us, “But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased” (Psalm 115:3, KJV). Therefore, while miracles are not the norm in this present dispensation of grace, we cannot deny that God may still act supernaturally today if it serves His divine plan.

However, after the body of Christ is removed from the earth, miracles, signs, and wonders will return in great waves, accompanied by the fear of God. This will occur during the time of tribulation, a period marked by God’s direct dealings with Israel and the nations. Jesus Himself warned, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21, KJV). Paul also spoke of this future time when “that Wicked be revealed…even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:8–9, KJV). These events will be terrifying, and it is a time no one should desire to live in.

Conclusion

The absence of miracles today is not evidence of God’s silence but of His shift in focus. He is no longer confirming His covenant with Israel through signs and wonders. Instead, He is offering spiritual restoration to all through Christ’s death and resurrection. The believer’s hope is not in temporary physical deliverance but in eternal spiritual renewal. The greatest miracle is salvation itself—Christ dwelling in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27, KJV).

God remains sovereign, able to perform miracles as He determines, but His present focus is spiritual transformation in the dispensation of grace. After the church is caught away, miracles and signs will return in fearful measure during the tribulation. For now, our calling is to trust His Word, walk by faith, and rejoice in the spiritual restoration He provides.