CONCERNING SPIRITUALS

Part 3

W. J. Franklin

(V) The Working of Miracles

Miracle is a word used to denote a non-natural, beyond natural, supernatural order of things or works contrary to nature – accomplishments of which we are unaccustomed to.

The Gift of the working of miracles operates by the energy or dynamic force of the Spirit, a sovereign act of the Spirit of God, irrespective of laws or systems.

Let us consider some uses of the Gift in scripture:

(1) For delivering God’s people. Exodus 14:16

(2) To provide for those in need. Exodus 17:5-6

(3) To confirm the preached Word. Acts 8:6

(4) To deliver in unavoidable situations of danger. Matt. 8:23

(5) To display God’s Power and Magnificence. Psalms 150:2

They show forth His Greatness. Miracles are explosions of almightiness, wonders, the expression of the Divine walking among men, the visible tokens of an invisible Power.

(VI) The Gift of Faith

Let us remember that though faith we are saved (Eph. 2:8); this is faith that goes before salvation.

Then there is faith which is named in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), which can only be developed by the Spirit as we walk in the Spirit. Fruit can only be grown, not made. This fruit of faith also speaks of God making us faithful.

But the Gift of Faith is distinct from saving faith and the fruit of faith. Remember that this is the greatest of the power gifts, and those that possess this gift believe God in such a way that God honors their word as His Own, and miraculously brings it to pass. It is a supernatural endowment by the Spirit whereby that which is uttered or desired by man shall eventually come to pass. This faith utterance covers blessings, cursings, destruction, and is different from the gift of the working of Miracles and the gifts of Healing in that often its operations are not immediately or even generally observed.

The operation of Miracles is more of an act as when the Red Sea was rolled back by Moses, while the operation of the  Gift of Faith is more of a process.

The gift of Faith is a sudden surge or boost of faith given by the Holy Spirit when needed, as seen in Joshua 10:12-13, Acts 9:40, and Acts 13:11. 

Continued in next issue