"Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" — Exodus 15:11 (KJV)
The short answer
The Bible presents miracles as real acts of God that reveal His power and point people to faith. From the wonders of the Exodus to the signs of Jesus, they are not magic but God at work — for with God all things are possible, anchored in Matthew 19:26, Acts 2:22, and John 20:30-31.
From the parting of the Red Sea to the empty tomb, the Bible is a book of wonders. But miracles in Scripture are never random displays of power for their own sake. They are signs — God breaking into the ordinary to reveal who He is, to confirm His word, and to draw people to trust Him. Below are eight passages, quoted exactly from the King James Version, grouped around the questions we ask when we wonder what miracles are really for.
Can God really do the impossible?
At the heart of every miracle is a simple truth about God: nothing is beyond Him. What is impossible for us is not impossible for the One who made all things.
"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." — Matthew 19:26 (KJV)
Jesus draws a line between what people can do and what God can do. The limits that hem us in do not bind Him. Wherever we hit the wall of "impossible," God is still able — and that is the ground on which every miracle stands.
"And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible." — Mark 10:27 (KJV)
Mark records the same assurance with a tender detail: Jesus looks upon them as He says it. This is not a cold statement of divine ability, but a gaze of grace inviting us to believe that God can do what we cannot.
Why did God perform miracles?
Miracles in the Bible carry a message. They are God bearing witness — confirming His messengers and pointing to the truth of His word.
"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:" — Acts 2:22 (KJV)
Peter points to the miracles of Jesus as public evidence, done openly "in the midst of you." They were not hidden tricks but visible acts of God, attesting that Jesus was sent and approved by the Father.
"God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" — Hebrews 2:4 (KJV)
Miracles are God's own testimony, given "according to his own will." He is not obligated to perform them on demand; He grants them as He chooses, always to confirm the truth of the salvation He proclaims.
What is the purpose of Jesus' signs?
John calls the miracles of Jesus "signs" because they point beyond themselves. Their aim is not amazement but belief that leads to life.
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." — John 20:30-31 (KJV)
Here is the stated purpose of the miracles John recorded: that you might believe, and in believing, have life. The signs are doorways — meant to lead you through wonder into trust in the Son of God.
"Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" — John 11:40 (KJV)
Spoken at the tomb of Lazarus, these words tie the miracle to faith and the glory of God. The greatest wonders reveal not merely God's power, but His glory — and they are seen most clearly by those who believe.
Does God still do wonders?
The God of the Bible is the God who does wonders — and Scripture points both back to His mighty acts and forward to the work He continues through those who believe.
"Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" — Exodus 15:11 (KJV)
Israel sang this after the Red Sea, and the question still stands: who is like the Lord? He alone is the wonder-worker, glorious in holiness. To marvel at His acts is to worship the God who has no equal.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." — John 14:12 (KJV)
Jesus promises that His work would continue and even expand through His followers after His return to the Father. However God chooses to act, the same power that raised the dead is not confined to the past.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Jesus perform miracles?
Jesus' miracles were signs meant to point people to who He is and to lead them to faith. John 20:30-31 explains that His signs were written "that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (KJV). The miracles were never mere spectacle; they revealed His power and His mercy, and called people to trust Him.
Does God still perform miracles today?
The Bible presents God as the One who does wonders, and it never declares that He has stopped. Matthew 19:26 says, "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" (KJV). Christians trust that the same God who parted the sea and raised the dead is still able to act. At the same time, Scripture calls us to seek God Himself rather than treat miracles as something we can demand or control.
"Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people." — Psalm 77:14 (KJV)
Take it deeper
These verses are a beginning, not the whole of what God says about His mighty works. FlickerFaith is a Scripture-first study companion — open it to read these passages in full context, follow the miracles of Scripture from Exodus to the Gospels, search related verses, and ask honest questions about faith and the power of God. It keeps you close to the Word, not away from it.
Keep reading
Miracles flow from the power of God and His sovereignty over all things. See also what the Bible says about healing and creation. Browse more Bible topics, explore AI Bible study, or return home.