The difference is emphasis. Natural law is normal, which is expected. Supernatural is beyond normal. Miraculous is also beyond normal with an emphasis upon unexpected. Natural law is supported by the scientific method of reproducibility, which both secular and sacred admit. Supernatural is beyond the scope of science, at least until the discovery of consistent, reproducible natural law explanations. Miraculous is beyond the scope of physics with an emphasis upon unexpected. Creation can only be miraculous, since a supernatural Creator speaks the world into existence. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3 KJV). Natural laws are the rules to which nature must comply; however, supernatural interaction with the natural world can modify outcomes, when applied. Miracles are directed from the supernatural often unexpectedly with unexpected outcomes. Humanity irrespective of religious or philosophical persuasion is subject to natural law. Supernatural beings both of the Creator and against the Creator may interact with the natural world, but subject to the Creator and conforming to the necessities of their being. Miracles also may interact with the natural realm, but especially are subject to the will of the Creator. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:11p-12).
Supernatural Enemy
Where Satan Dwelleth (Revelation 2:12)
Pergamos was a church, who compromised her holiness to get along in the world. If the Church of Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17) was also representative of Church History following Constantine’s embracing of the Cross by which he would conquer (312 AD), then the Church was losing its focus on Christ and was becoming confused about its supernatural enemy. Whenever we see only the earthly circumstance and don’t realize it is Spiritual Warfare on the highest level, we are underestimating the enemy. “Thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication” (Revelation 2:13-14 KJV). Again, the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3 representing seven stages of Church History from beginning to end is figurative and speculative, but we interpret Bible Prophecy as literal as we can, until we can’t. Balaam taught that Israel should be seduced to intermarry with the surrounding heathen, bringing them idolatry and looser sexual morals. Only God’s Spirit working in us can prevent, preserve, and cure iniquity in the Church (John 16:9). “He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19). This is only one aspect of the Gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:38). LORD, preserve us by Your Spirit from the same sins, which plagued Pergamos. May we learn from their past mistakes. May we put more confidence in Your Spirit’s sin preventing power than confidence in ourselves. May we resist sin in our flesh and the sin which does so easily beset us, but trust Your Spirit to not let us give in to the temptation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 