Blaspheming the Holy Spirit: The "Unpardonable Sin"

[Craig1974]

Can this sin be committed today?

[Craig1974]

To blaspheme means to speak against. I believe, at least as I understand it currently, is that if you refuse to believe the words of the Holy Spirit ie The Bible and you speak against it by calling it a bunch of stories and a book simply written by men and you go to your grave believing this, you will not be forgiven for this.

Thoughts?

[D. White]

Sorry...I have not gottne back to this earlier. There is more to it than just to speak against. I willl be back hopefully in a timely manner to get more in depth...but quickly, I can say that you have started the right thought. Simply not believeing and not having the chance to repent because you die, is the start.

[D. White]

I found by a brother in Seattle a good article about this subject:

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
Have You Committed it?

By A. Ralph Johnson

Mark 3:28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: 30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

What Is Blasphemy Of The Holy Spirit?

Blasphemy means to speak against, or to defame.

Matt 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.



Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is not unbelief.

In a misguided zeal to put pressure on people to convert some have sought to use fear of never being forgiven, holding over them the threat of their rejection of Christ being blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Nothing in Scripture supports this, and it causes far more mischief than it helps.

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is not testing or rejection of miraculous claims.

-1Thes. 5:21. Prove all things (in reference to spiritual gifts).

-1Jn. 4:1. Prove the spirits; because of many false prophets.

-Mt. 24:4, 11-13, 24-25. Take heed that no man deceive you.

-Mt. 7:21-27. Many will say, "Lord, Lord, We prophesied, cast out demons and did many wonderful works," but He will say, "I NEVER knew you."

-Rev. 2:2. Test those who claim to be apostles (cf. 2 Co. 12:12).

-2Thes. 2:3, 9-12. Do not be deceived by "wonders," even in God's house.

-Rev. 13:13-14. False prophets will deceive the world with great signs.

-Rev. 16:14. Demons will work miracles.

-Deut. 13:1-3. Even if miracles come to pass, don’t follow those who are for other gods.



-2 Tim. 3:8. Jannes and Jambres imitated signs of Moses (Ex. 7:11, 22; 8:7, 18).

How Do We Know We Have Not Committed the Unpardonable Sin?

Sometimes people become afraid that they have sinned against the Holy Spirit (sometimes in frustration at their struggle with sin) and start having terrible thoughts in their minds against the Holy Spirit. The more they try to not think the thoughts, the more they think about them. It can become a terrifying experience, and often accompanies depression and severe mental problems.

I would first point out that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit seems to be a very uncommon sin. Because Jesus’ warning was against those who attributed His miracles to Beelzebub, prince of demons, some question whether it could be done today at all.

Even direct speaking against the Holy Spirit does not seem common. We hear all kinds of blasphemy against Christ and the Father but rarely do we hear similar things against the Holy Spirit. It seems that either people instinctively avoid it, or that God, to leave open their opportunity to repent, protects people from falling into it unless, like the Pharisees, they are willfully perverted.

In any case, it is clear that what Jesus spoke of was willful speaking against the Holy Spirit. That is not something done in ignorance or some unwanted thought the devil puts in our mind to accuse us. We are all tempted in many things. Jesus' illustration of temptation to commit fornication is an example of the distinction between temptation and sin of adultery as being when a man looks on a woman to lust after her..." Sin is not when temptation confronts us. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed" (James 1:14). What happens to us against our will is not sin, and certainly not unpardonable.

Many of us have struggled with the fear that we might have committed the unpardonable sin. The suggestions I give here have been helpful to me, and to others over the years of my ministry.

One of the most helpful things is to focus on the protective love of God for us as His children.

As a child of God, we have protection. God will not desert His children. "Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world (1Jn 4:4).

John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

So, if you want to do God’s will, that is a pretty good indication you have not committed the unpardonable sin. If you had, God would not be moving on your heart.

It is through the Holy Spirit that we receive this love for God.

Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit which is given unto us.



If we had committed the sin against the Holy Spirit, the Spirit would not be causing us to love God. We simply would not care. The fact that we love God is the very thing that causes so much anxiety at the possibility of being alienated from Him.

"It is God in you both to will and to work" (Philip 2:13).

"God gives the increase" (1Cor 3:7).



Romans 5:5-10 has given me some of the greatest reassurance.

Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Notice verses 9 and 10, especially. If God has justified us through the blood of His Son while we were enemies, how much more, being reconciled will He save us by his life! God has His Son invested in our salvation. If we want to be saved, He is going to see that we will be. Our desire to be saved is the evidence that God is working in us. "God gives the increase" (1Cor 3:1).

Now how do we combat these dark thoughts? Look at 1John 4:12-19.

1John 4:12 ...If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us.



So, show love for others. Do good for others. Doing good does four things to give us reassurance. 1. It makes God a part of us and we become more like God. 2. God is pleased and our prayers are heard and answered (James 5:16). 3. We feel better because we know we are doing good. 4. Others will feel good towards us and will encourage us.

1John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us.



Note that the fear that torments us is cast out by love. Satan is the "accuser of the brethren" (Rev. 12:10). One of his most powerful weapons is to create fear in us by accusing us of unfaithfulness. Since the sin against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable, that is one of the most fear-creating accusations he can make.

It is almost impossible to just say, "I won't think those thoughts" because the very effort to refuse to think them focuses on them. The way to stop thinking about something bad is to think about something good.

Philip 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.



Thus, one of the best antidotes to such fear is to increase one's focus on the love for God. "Perfect love casts out fear." (1John 4:18) "Love covers a multitude of sins." (1Peter 4:8)

When the devil starts his accusation, respond by praising the name of God. Pray over and over, saying "I Love you" to the Holy Spirit. Praise the Holy Spirit and thank Him for the word He gives (John 16:13; 2Pet 1:20-21) for His sealing us as the "earnest of our inheritance as God's own possession" (Eph 1:13-14), for His role in making us children of God (Rom 8:14-17; Gal. 4:6), for his intercession on our behalf (Rom 8:26-27), for the fruits He gives (Gal. 5:22-25). The more we praise God the more we drown out the devil's accusations.

Sing praise to God (Eph 5:19, James 5:13)

There is a neat chorus:

"Holy Spirit, I appreciate you.
Holy Spirit, I appreciate you.
You love us, and guide us,
and live right inside us,
Holy Spirit, I appreciate you."

Secondly, God says, "resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

When the thought came that if I thought something bad about the Holy Spirit, I might be blaspheming him, the more I tried to not think bad things, the stronger the thoughts came back. So, I turned and rebuked the devil. Every thought that came in against the Holy Spirit, I turned around and directed back as an attack at the devil. Amazingly, I received almost instant relief. The old liar beat a fast retreat. He simply did not like having those things dumped back on him!

Such struggles are not uncommon. In Romans 7:15-25 Paul speaks of his struggle with doing that which he would not, and not doing that which he would. His agonized cry is "Who shall deliver me...?" (7:24). That is the very cry that sometimes is torn from our lips in our struggle with sin. Then he declares, "I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord."

He continues in chapter 8:

Rom 8:1 declares that in Christ there is no condemnation.

Rom 8:2-17 shows how we become a child of God through the Spirit.

Rom 8:18-25 shows how that the whole creation is in travail, and that we also groan within ourselves, waiting for the redemption of our body.

Rom 8:26-27 reassures us that the Spirit makes intercessions for us with groanings that cannot be uttered.

Rom 8:28-33 reassures us that from the foundation of the world, God had a plan to save us. If He was willing to give His son, how can anything stand against us.

Rom 34-37 reassures us that Christ died for us and is at the right hand of God making intercession for us.



Rom 38-39 triumphantly proclaims: 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hallelujah!

Here are some practical things that can help to avoid or deal with the fear of committing the unpardonable sin.

1. Stay away from tempting situations (2Tim 2:22; 1Tim 6:11; 1Cor 6:18; 10:14; 15:33). Yielding to temptation in one area discourages and depresses, making one more vulnerable in other areas. Note the change in Adam and Eve’s feelings about their relationship with God when they fell into sin.

2. When you fail, get things right with God right away. Being away from God is depressing. Adam and Eve hid from God. The longer we are away the more separated we feel and the harder it is to come back.

1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.



3. Find someone to confide in and pray with.

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.



4. Of course, Pray for wisdom (James 1:5) to deal with the problem.

5. Get plenty of rest. Failure to get proper rest can upset our physical well being and bring depression. Consider whether you are sleeping properly. Sleep apnea may require help to get proper sleep to feel good.

6. Avoid stressful situations. These upset the body and bring depression.

7. Eat healthy meals. Deficiencies in diet can result in emotional and physical difficulties.

8. Get a medical checkup. For example, diabetes and other medical ailments can cause depression and anxiety feelings. Allergic reactions to food, environment etc. can produce feelings of stress. We need to understand that when we feel bad from one thing, we may incorrectly conclude that something else is the cause.

The doctor may be able to help by providing something to level anxiety feelings. Compulsive disorders are very real to many very fine people. Don't try to be your own doctor any more than your own lawyer. There are very real disorders that can overtake us. Wisdom says that we should get help when we don’t feel right.


...(Dwayne here) One thing I also preach is that God provides all the help we need to overcome the devil and his temptations. As the writer said, if we really would blashpeme againt God and His Spirit, then we wouldn't even worry whether we did or not.

[Butch]

I don't claim one bit of expertise on the Holy Spirit but here are some thoughts...

I believe the only way to have been able to commit this sin would have been to witness the miracles of Jesus and call him evil. The Spirit resided in Jesus from the point of his baptism (Matt 3:16-17) and gave him his ability to perform miracles. In this special situation, (The Mark 3 passage above and also Matt 12) one would be standing before the Holy Spirit and denying him and therefore creating an unforgivable situation as described. The Pharasee attributed the miracle to Beezelbub and committed the sin in the context of these passages.


1 John 5:14-17 discusses sin unto death. When 1 John is read completely, we are given hope of forgiveness for anything. I read this as an unforgivable is one we will not repent of. I don't believe this passage to have anything to do with the event between Jesus and the Pharasee.

[gordon.annan]

I do know from the hloy scriptures that the holy spirit can be blasphemed. It is a sin named among others that can be commited against the holy spirit. To disbelieve the spoken words as given by God is this sin.It is unpadonable so long as you live in this state of believe.

[Steven Rasberry]

Originally Posted by gordon.annan

I do know from the holy scriptures that the holy spirit can be blasphemed. It is a sin named among others that can be committed against the holy spirit. To disbelieve the spoken words as given by God is this sin.It is unpardonable so long as you live in this state of believe.

You are right brother.

They said the miracles He did were from the devil/evil/demonic in origin.

When people call the good things said and done in the Holy Spirit such as Jesus' miracles and His Word, evil or bad, it is impossible to be pardoned because one will stay in a perpetual state of sin, thinking it is evil, not righteous, thus never being positively impacted by God in a positive way because of their own resistance. We put ourselves in this position of not enabling God to pardon us of our sin. God is righteous and will not forgive an unrepentant person.

Good post brother.

[Butch]

Reading back through this, I don't think the correct question is if can we commit the sin, but rather if it is unpardonable. I'd like to clarify my earlier statements to reflect that I don't think we can commit it or any other sin in an unforgivable way as long as we eventually see the light and repent.

...b

[Steven Rasberry]

Originally Posted by Butch

Reading back through this, I don't think the correct question is if can we commit the sin, but rather if it is unpardonable. I'd like to clarify my earlier statements to reflect that I don't think we can commit it or any other sin in an unforgivable way as long as we eventually see the light and repent.

...b

Yes forgiveness is available for all but if the very gospel and good things of God are considered evil, thus never accepted as righteousness, then one will remain in their state of being lost.

Are we saying the same thing in different ways or if I am off on this, please explain how I am off. I am very open to listen to any position on this intriguing verse.

[Butch]

If we get into a state of sin of any type, be it adultry or blasphemy or whatever, and never repented, we are lost.

1 John 5:14-17 addresses sin unto death - The best short summary of this passage I have found is this:

"the sin unto death is that which results in the total apostasy of the sinner, leading to a state which is hopeless, not because of any limitation on God's part, but because of the will of the sinner not to accept pardon. "

I think we are in agreement.

...b

[Steven Rasberry]

Originally Posted by Butch

If we get into a state of sin of any type, be it adultery or blasphemy or whatever, and never repented, we are lost.

1 John 5:14-17 addresses sin unto death - The best short summary of this passage I have found is this:

"the sin unto death is that which results in the total apostasy of the sinner, leading to a state which is hopeless, not because of any limitation on God's part, but because of the will of the sinner not to accept pardon. "

I think we are in agreement.

...b

Yes and Amen!

When we look at the situation, they were actually calling Jesus evil, even when Jesus did a miracle to show His authority and it even occurred right in front of them. Yet they were so hardened, they could not call it good but something demonic.

If a person is that hardened and not made to think again, listen or repent, then that is a terrible place to be in and is impossible, not so much in God's "ability" per sae to forgive sins but impossible, because of His righteousness and the fact that God never goes against Him self, to be forgiven.

We do this to ourselves on our own volition, hindering God from giving His grace, which He desired so much to give that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him "should' not parish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

[Prov.31Wife]

Originally Posted by Steven Rasberry

Yes forgiveness is available for all but if the very gospel and good things of God are considered evil, thus never accepted as righteousness, then one will remain in their state of being lost.

Are we saying the same thing in different ways or if I am off on this, please explain how I am off. I am very open to listen to any position on this intriguing verse.

now this statement makes me think of God's miracles...which we will be doing a study on soon Steven If one completely denies a miracle, or in your words "good things of God" , then isn't this blasphemy?? I believe ( and of course I could be wrong as I"m only human) we should do as Scripture tells us and test those who claim to be apostles ( Rev.2:2) instead of straight out saying "there are NO miracles today"...this is dangerous to say IMO. ...thoughts??

[Prov.31Wife]

Originally Posted by Butch

I don't claim one bit of expertise on the Holy Spirit but here are some thoughts...

I believe the only way to have been able to commit this sin would have been to witness the miracles of Jesus and call him evil. The Spirit resided in Jesus from the point of his baptism (Matt 3:16-17) and gave him his ability to perform miracles. In this special situation, (The Mark 3 passage above and also Matt 12) one would be standing before the Holy Spirit and denying him and therefore creating an unforgivable situation as described. The Pharasee attributed the miracle to Beezelbub and committed the sin in the context of these passages.


1 John 5:14-17 discusses sin unto death. When 1 John is read completely, we are given hope of forgiveness for anything. I read this as an unforgivable is one we will not repent of. I don't believe this passage to have anything to do with the event between Jesus and the Pharasee.

here again...what you are saying Butch doesn't sit well with my spirit as far as miracles go...but again I"m only human and could be wrong... you said:
"The Spirit resided in Jesus from the point of his baptism (Matt 3:16-17) and gave him his ability to perform miracles" Does not the same Holy Spirit reside in us??? Jesus died on the cross allowing the Holy Spirit to also abide in us and guide us ( John 16) we are baptized in the Holy Spirit. So to say ultimately that there is no miracles today doesn't make sense That to me is denying the Holy Spirit!

now I"m not saying to believe everything we see as claimed a miracle, the Scriptures also warn us of that ( 2Thess.2:3, 9-12)... but to always be open to receive what the Holy Spirit is showing us To deny completley is dangerous.

[Butch]

Miracles were but a vehicle to show the truth of the Gospel (Heb 2:3-4). 1 Cor 13:10 tells us that that which is in part shall be done away when that which is perfect is come. The that is the scriptures given by the Holy Spirit to the writers to record. The Scriptures are the only way we are spoken to now. Once the Apostles and those that had spiritual gifts died, there were no more miracles. By this time all the Scripture had been written.

[Steven Rasberry]

Originally Posted by Prov.31Wife

now this statement makes me think of God's miracles...which we will be doing a study on soon Steven If one completely denies a miracle, or in your words "good things of God" , then isn't this blasphemy?? I believe ( and of course I could be wrong as I"m only human) we should do as Scripture tells us and test those who claim to be apostles ( Rev.2:2) instead of straight out saying "there are NO miracles today"...this is dangerous to say IMO. ...thoughts??

I never said the miracles from Jesus, the apostles or prophets were evil or bad. The problem with today is that God given miracles to prove/confirm the Word as Truth and from God (Heb 2:3-4), do not happen any longer. They served a time and place to serve a purpose but now that the period is complete, the miracles of the Holy Spirit have ended.

Now, please do not dismiss providence. For example, when you pray, ask for help, is sick etc. If God takes it away, removes it etc through a Dr's medication, being given a job etc, that is providence and the love of God demonstrated in the world to mankind and His people but if you expect an arm to grow suddenly grow back or a bar of gold to suddenly materialize out of thin air onto your pillow, well that just does not happen because the "period" of those miracles to "confirm" the Word, has ended, and now what remains is Jesus and His banner of Faith, Hope and Love, which transforms and heals the soul, which was the ultimate goal of God in the first place.

I pray this is clear and in our study, we will dive into this further if you need. I apologize for the delay but my wife will join the study and she has been a bit busy.

Please refer to these verses from the "confirmed" Word if, "my" words are God's Word. See how this works?

Mark 16:20
And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.

2 Peter 1:19
And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

1 Corinthians 13:8-13
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.


Now on the second part, only the apostle and those they laid their hands on could do miracles to confirm the Word. We see how this was in an early church example. Philip baptized the people for the forgiveness of sins but they had not received the miraculous abilities of the Holy Spirit. Please notice Philip could do the miracles but he could not pass them on to those that obeyed the gospel, only the apostles could do that so the apostles went to lay their hands upon and pray for God to allow these Christians to receive the miraculous abilities of the Holy Spirit. Unless you know where you can find an apostle of Christ, we cannot have these confirming powers of the Holy Spirit given to us.

Acts 8:4-13
4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the[a] city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.

9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

[Marianinark]

Originally Posted by Prov.31Wife

here again...what you are saying Butch doesn't sit well with my spirit as far as miracles go...but again I"m only human and could be wrong... you said:
"The Spirit resided in Jesus from the point of his baptism (Matt 3:16-17) and gave him his ability to perform miracles" Does not the same Holy Spirit reside in us??? Jesus died on the cross allowing the Holy Spirit to also abide in us and guide us ( John 16) we are baptized in the Holy Spirit. So to say ultimately that there is no miracles today doesn't make sense That to me is denying the Holy Spirit!

now I"m not saying to believe everything we see as claimed a miracle, the Scriptures also warn us of that ( 2Thess.2:3, 9-12)... but to always be open to receive what the Holy Spirit is showing us To deny completley is dangerous.

I think you have misinterpreted some scriptures. We are not "baptized in the Holy Spirit". We are baptized into Christ,( Romans 6.3), in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of The Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28.19). And we recieve the gift of the Spirit ( Acts 2.38) , "who is the guarantee of our inheritance".(Eph. 1.14) Therefore the gift of the Spirit that we get at our baptism is not the gift of miracles, is is a "down payment" if you will, on our inheritance.
After the Holy Spirit was sent upon Jesus, the Apostles, and Cornelius's and his household, the only way it could be given was by the laying on of the Apostle's hands.

Correct me, brethren, if I am wrong.

[Steven Rasberry]

Originally Posted by Robert

Maybe some are not quite grasping what we believe on this site. Let's define our terms:

miracle: "an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause." This is from Dictionary.com.

Providence: "the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth." Also from dictionary.com.

Like brother Don and Stephen have both pointed out and as our definition here points out, a miracle is something outside of the laws of nature ascribed to someone or something supernatural (in our case we are discussing God, our LORD).

What does the scriptures say about miracles or signs?

Mark 16:20, "And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs (ESV)."

Who is the they? In context, the apostles. Compare this to John 15:26-27, "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. (27)And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning (ESV)."

In this context Jesus is speaking only to the apostles in John 15 (you need to go back to the beginning of chapter 14 to pick up the context). He tells THEM, the apostles, they were to bear witness of Him because they were with me from the beginning. How did the Helper (Holy Spirit) come? On the day of Pentecost as promised by Jesus in Acts 1:8 when Jesus told the apostles to wait in Jerusalem until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit as a sign that the kingdom would come (compare to Mark 9:1....the kingdom would come with power).

Let me ask you a question: How would people know what the apostles were teaching was true without it being confirmed with a sign or miracle? They wouldn't. It would be like someone today saying, "the end of the world will be tomorrow according to a vision I had from God, but only I saw the vision and I have nothing else to confirm this word is from God except my word." We would all doubt what that person is saying, especially when it didn't come true because we know God doesn't break his promises.

My point is; the only reason for signs/miracles was to CONFIRM the word of God was from God. It was not to help people (although a secondary reason).

Even Jesus performed miracles as a sign he was from God. SO the people would know the word was true and from God...not from man.

Today what would be the purpose of miracles? What don't we have that we need today (2 Peter 1:3). Don't we have everything for life and godliness according to the word of God? If not, why not? If not, is the Bible and God a liar for saying we do? Of course, not! We have been provided for. WE have everything spiritually we need in the word of God and everything we physically need providentially through this world that God still does amazing and wonderful things within the laws of nature.

Well explained brother, Amen.