No, miracles have not ceased in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A core belief within the faith is that God continues to be a God of miracles, actively involved in the lives of His children, and that divine intervention is an ongoing reality.
The Doctrine of Continuing Miracles
The scriptures foundational to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints explicitly affirm that miracles continue today. Ancient prophets posed the direct question, asking if "miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God?" The answer provided is a resounding "Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men." This teaching underscores the understanding that God's power and willingness to intervene in human affairs remain constant and are not limited to biblical times.
This perspective is rooted in the belief that God is unchanging. If He performed miracles in the past, He continues to do so in the present, contingent on faith and His divine will.
Understanding Miracles in Daily Life
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe miracles can manifest in various forms, not always as dramatic as those recorded in ancient scripture, but equally profound and significant. These can include:
- Divine Healing: Restoration of health to the sick through faith, prayer, and priesthood blessings.
- Guidance and Revelation: Personal insights, inspiration, or answers to prayers that lead to specific actions or understanding.
- Protection and Deliverance: Experiences where individuals are preserved from harm or extricated from difficult circumstances in unexpected ways.
- Spiritual Comfort and Peace: Feelings of assurance, hope, and serenity during times of distress or sorrow.
- Unexpected Provisions: Instances where needs are met or solutions appear through unlooked-for means.
- Angelic Ministry: While not always visible, the belief that angels continue to assist and comfort individuals.
These experiences reinforce the belief that a loving God is mindful of His children and intervenes in their lives according to His wisdom and their faith. The Church encourages members to seek and recognize these divine manifestations in their personal lives.
Key Aspects of Continuing Miracles
The table below summarizes the foundational beliefs regarding the continuation of miracles:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Divine Nature | God is unchangeable; He is a God of miracles today as He was anciently. |
| Scriptural Basis | Teachings from the Book of Mormon and other scriptures affirm that miracles, gifts of the Spirit, and angelic ministry continue. |
| Faith and Prayer | Miracles are often predicated on the faith of individuals and collective prayer. |
| Purpose | Miracles serve to manifest God's power, strengthen faith, bring about righteous purposes, and provide comfort and guidance. |
| Accessibility | Miracles are available to all who believe and live righteously, not limited to a select few. |
For more insights into the belief in ongoing miracles, you can explore resources from the Church, such as the article "Behold! I Am a God of Miracles" on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
