Chapter 213—A Miracle
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with
divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Hebrews 2:4
.
Christ wrought no miracle at the demand of the Pharisees. He wrought
no miracle in the wilderness in answer to Satan’s insinuations. He does
not impart to us power to vindicate ourselves or to satisfy the demands of
unbelief and pride. But the gospel is not without a sign of its divine origin. Is
it not a miracle that we can break from the bondage of Satan? Enmity against
Satan is not natural to the human heart; it is implanted by the grace of God.
When one who has been controlled by a stubborn, wayward will is set free,
and yields himself wholeheartedly to the drawing of God’s heavenly agencies,
a miracle is wrought; so also when a man who has been under strong delusion
comes to understand moral truth. Every time a soul is converted, and learns
to love God and keep His commandments, the promise of God is fulfilled, “A
new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you” (
Ezekiel
36:26
). The change in human hearts, the transformation of human characters,
is a miracle that reveals an ever-living Saviour, working to rescue souls. A
consistent life in Christ is a great miracle. In the preaching of the Word of
God, the sign that should be manifest now and always is the presence of the
Holy Spirit, to make the Word a regenerating power to those that hear. This
is God’s witness before the world to the divine mission of His Son.
Many are utterly discouraged.... They are looked upon as unable to
comprehend or to receive the gospel of Christ. Yet by the miracle of divine
grace they may be changed. Under the ministration of the Holy Spirit the
stupidity that makes their uplifting appear so hopeless will pass away.... Vice
will disappear, and ignorance will be overcome.
The chain that has been let down from the throne of God is long enough
to reach to the lowest depths. Christ is able to lift the most sinful out of the
pit of degradation, and to place them where they will be acknowledged as
children of God, heirs with Christ to an immortal inheritance.
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