The Bible describes God as a God of wonders numerous times. This means that God performs supernatural acts that display His awesome power and evoke a sense of amazement and awe. Some key things the Bible reveals about God being a God of wonders:
1. God created the heavens and the earth
Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The creation of the entire universe by God was a spectacular demonstration of His miraculous power. The intricacy, complexity, and magnificence of creation reflect God’s infinite creativity and ability to do what seems impossible (Jeremiah 32:17).
2. God performs miracles and supernatural signs
All throughout Scripture, God accomplishes things that override the laws of nature. He parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22), caused the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12-13), shut the mouths of lions (Daniel 6:22), healed the sick (Matthew 8:1-3), and raised the dead (John 11:43-44). These miracles displayed God’s ability to do the unimaginable for the benefit of His people.
3. God predicts and accomplishes the future
God declares the end from the beginning, foretelling what will happen and then bringing it to pass (Isaiah 46:10). Hundreds of prophecies in the Bible have already been fulfilled exactly as predicted, often many years or centuries later. This reveals God’s complete knowledge of all things past, present, and future.
4. God reveals deep mysteries
God discloses secrets, hidden truths, and mysteries that humans could never know on their own (Daniel 2:22). Biblical examples include God revealing the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to Daniel (Daniel 2:19), explaining the visions of Revelation to John (Revelation 1:1), and making known His plan of salvation through Jesus (Ephesians 3:1-6).
5. God suspends the laws of nature
On various occasions, God transcended the normal patterns and principles governing the universe. Balaam’s donkey spoke (Numbers 22:28), the Jordan River parted for the Israelites to cross on dry ground (Joshua 3:14-17), the sun’s shadow moved backward for Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:8-11), and Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:25). These wonders reveal God’s complete authority over creation.
6. God accomplishes the impossible
Again and again, God did things thought to be impossible. He enabled Abraham and Sarah to conceive in their old age (Genesis 18:14), caused a virgin to give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:34-35), fed huge crowds with just a little food (Matthew 14:13-21), and raised Jesus from the dead after three days (Mark 16:6). For God, nothing is too hard (Jeremiah 32:17).
7. God’s work evokes awe and amazement
When people witnessed God’s wonders, they responded with awe and astonishment. After Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples marveled, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:27). When Peter raised Tabitha from the dead, many became believers (Acts 9:42). God’s wonders provoke wonder in those who observe them.
8. God’s wonders display His glory
God often performs wonders and miracles to make His glory known. Through 10 plagues on Egypt, God showed His power over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt (Exodus 7-12). Jesus performed miracles so people would believe Him and glorify God (John 2:11). God uses wonders to magnify His greatness, majesty, and superiority over all.
9. God’s wonders reveal His divine character
God’s wonders give glimpses into His divine attributes. His miracles exhibit His power, knowledge, and authority. Fulfilled prophecy displays His omniscience of the future. The incarnation reveals His love and mercy. Christ’s resurrection manifests His immortality and victory over death. God’s wonders reflect who He is.
10. God continues to do wonders
While the frequency of signs and wonders seems to have decreased after biblical times, God still accomplishes miracles today. Around the globe, many testify to God’s miraculous healing, deliverance, and supernatural interventions. God also does wonders within people, transforming hearts and lives. He is still the same wonder-working God.
11. Jesus Christ is the ultimate wonder
The greatest wonder of all is the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. As Isaiah prophesied, “His name shall be called Wonderful” (Isaiah 9:6). The incarnation of God becoming man to save sinners is an unfathomable miracle of divine love and grace. Christ’s sinless life, atoning death, resurrection, and ascension are the pinnacle of God’s wonders.
12. God’s wonders inspire worship and praise
Throughout the Bible, when people witnessed God’s wonders, they responded in worship and praise. After the exodus, Moses and the Israelites sang praises to God for His triumph over Egypt (Exodus 15:1-21). When Jesus raised Lazarus, the people glorified God (John 11:4). God’s wonders move us to glorify and exalt Him in awe and gratitude.
13. God’s greatest wonders are still to come
The Bible promises that God’s most spectacular wonders are yet future. Jesus will return in power and glory (Matthew 24:30). Death will be swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54). God will create a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Believers will receive resurrection bodies and live forever with God (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). The best is yet to come!
14. God works wonders for the benefit of His people
While God sometimes performs wonders before unbelievers, most of His miracles recorded in Scripture were intended to rescue, guide, provide for, and reveal Himself to His people. God worked wonders to deliver Israel from slavery, lead them to the Promised Land, and authenticate His message through the prophets and apostles.
15. God’s wonders overcome unbelief
God often did wonders and miracles for the specific purpose of producing belief in skeptical or unbelieving people. Jesus said people would not believe in Him unless they saw miraculous signs (John 4:48). The greatest miracle of raising Jesus from the dead was God’s ultimate triumph over unbelief for all who would accept it.
16. God’s wonders inspire awe
The astonishing nature of God’s miracles leaves people awestruck at His power and glory. After witnessing Jesus still a storm and walk on water, the disciples worshiped Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). When Peter raised Tabitha, people were amazed and turned to the Lord (Acts 9:42). God’s wonders produce holy awe.
17. God’s wonders demonstrate His love and compassion
Many of God’s miracles were expressions of His tender love and compassion, such as healing the blind and leprous, feeding the multitudes, and raising the dead. Ultimately, God sending Jesus to suffer and die for sinners was the greatest wonder of His love. His wonders reflect His heart of mercy and care.
18. God’s wonders bring people to repentance
Amazing displays of God’s presence and power often led to repentance. After witnessing God’s glory on Mount Sinai, Israel was afraid and repented (Exodus 20:18-20). Seeing Jesus’ authority, a centurion confessed his unworthiness (Luke 7:1-10). Revelation of God through wonders prompts turning from sin.
19. God works wonders in partnership with people
Although God alone performs the miraculous, He often involves people as instruments in the process. God used Moses’ staff to part the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16). Jesus sent out the disciples to preach and heal (Matthew 10:1). Through Spirit-empowered people, God continues to work wonders.
20. God’s wonders overcome fear and strengthen faith
Observing God’s miracles allowed people to exchange fear for faith. When Elisha prayed for his fearful servant’s eyes to be opened, seeing God’s supernatural forces boosted his faith (2 Kings 6:15-17). Thomas declared his faith after Jesus invited him to touch His resurrected body (John 20:27-28). God’s wonders defeat fear with increased faith.
In summary, the Bible’s revelation of God as a God of wonders conveys important truths about His character and purposes. His miraculous signs and supernatural feats display His matchless power and glory, reveal His divine nature, fulfill His plan of redemption, and will culminate in the wonder of eternal life in His presence. God uses His awe-inspiring works to strengthen the faith of His people and bring unbelievers to repentance. By understanding and marveling at God’s wonders, we can respond in worshipful awe of our amazing God.