Providence is a wonderful biblical concept. It demonstrates the fact that God is in complete control. His providence is seen in scripture from the beginning to the end. God has been, is, and always will be in control. His providence has never been limited to any particular medium. It is true that God has used things intrinsic to nature in providence, as well as supernatural occurrences. However, the providence of God and miracles of God are two different things.

Providence is the protective care of God. While the word “providence” is never used in scripture to describe an act of God, the concept is clearly seen. The word “providence” comes from the Latin word, “providere,” meaning to foresee, attend to. The word implies a future goal, or plan, which is seen beforehand, and thus actions are taken to ensure the consummation of that goal, or plan. “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4). The salvation of man was planned by God before time began. This plan has been revealed via the providence of God. The fulfillment of messianic prophecies was made possible through God’s providence. “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:20). God’s providence is the conception of the plan, and the intervention to safeguard its success. This can occur through natural, or supernatural means. God’s providence is always supernatural with regard to source. However, the supernatural source does not always intervene in supernatural ways. A supernatural source intervening in a natural way in order to guarantee the success of a plan is still providential. It is evident when studying scripture that God’s providence has occurred through both mediums. However, when considering the whole of scripture, we conclude that His providence in the present is accomplished via natural intervention.

The biblical account of Joseph’s rise from adversity to second in command of Egypt is an example of God’s providence. After being sold into slavery by his brothers (cf. Genesis 37:25-28), the Lord was with him and caused him to be overseer of Potiphar’s house (cf. Genesis 39:1-6). It is then that Joseph was thrown into prison for the false accusation of trying to lie with Potiphar’s wife (cf. Genesis 39:19-20). Joseph eventually rose to second in command of Egypt due to God’s decision to use him as Pharaoh’s dream interpreter (cf. Genesis 41:37-41). It was later that Joseph was revealed to his brothers. He gave them this explanation: “now it was not you who sent me here, but God…God has made me lord of all Egypt” (Genesis 45:8-9). This is excellent evidence of the providence of God. For the most part, God used natural means to intervene in Joseph’s life. However, it was not natural that Joseph could interpret Pharaoh’s dreams.

Other examples of God’s providence include supernatural means. Israel’s delivery from Egyptian bondage was without question supernatural intervention by supernatural occurrences (cf. Exodus 7-14). Elijah’s victory over the prophets of Baal was accomplished by a miracle (cf. 1 Kings 18:30-39). There are many more. However, does God’s providential care of us today occur through supernatural means?

The dispute is not whether God has the power to act in supernatural ways. His omnipotence is clearly seen in scripture. Anyone would be a fool to deny that God has the power to accomplish those things contrary to the laws of nature. Job said to God, “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You” (Job 42:2). The question is, does He continue to intervene in supernatural ways, or does He intervene by natural means?

The purpose of miracles must be understood in order to correctly answer this question. At the end of John’s gospel it is recorded, “truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31). Miracles confirmed the deity of Christ. They also confirmed the word of the apostles as being from Him (cf. Mark 16:19-20). All miracles are signs. The Hebrew writer expressed the importance of listening to the word of Christ by showing that the word which was spoken was confirmed by God with “signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will” (Hebrews 2:4). The miracles, wonders, and gifts were all signs to confirm the word! This does not negate the compassion of Christ and the apostles on people with various ailments. However, each time a miracle was performed, those in attendance knew of the ailment, and experienced the supernatural occurrence, creating or further strengthening their faith. The purpose was still for the gospel’s sake!

Miraculous gifts were given through the laying on of the apostles hands in order to further edify the church (cf. Acts 8:17-19; 19:6; 1 Corinthians 14). This was necessary, for the complete written record of the inspired word was not yet available to all Christians. “But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away” (1 Corinthians 13:10). When the complete word had come, the miracles no longer had their purpose. After the apostles died off, there was no longer a source from which to obtain miraculous spiritual gifts. Ergo, there are no more miracles today. Jude clearly states that the faith “was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

Let us all recognize that God still intervenes in our lives. He has promised that, spiritually, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). In order to keep His promise, He must intervene in our lives. He cannot allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able, and must make the way of escape (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13). He cannot lie about the promise He gave us (cf. Hebrews 6:13-18). Accepting the fact that God no longer intervenes in supernatural ways does not imply He is limited in power. It only means miracles had a purpose, and that purpose has been fulfilled! There hasn’t been a miracle performed for the sake of performing it, and there never will be.