Mormon, Moroni, and Miracles

Mormon described his own day this way: “Wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people” (Mormon 1:13).  There were no miracles done among the people because of their iniquity.  Given that background, it’s interesting to me that both Mormon and Moroni spoke and wrote repeatedly on the fact that God is a God of miracles. 

                Mormon spoke extensively about God’s ability to perform miracles in what is now recorded in Moroni 7.  He questioned: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men?” (Moroni 7:27).  He questioned a couple verses later: "My beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men" (Moroni 7:29).  After speaking about the role of angels and our need for faith in Christ, he asked, “Has the day of miracles ceased?” (Moroni 7:35) His answer was a resounding “Nay” but he did caveat it explaining the only reasons why miracles might have ceased: “If these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain” (Moroni 7:37).  Mormon saw that in his own day—complete unbelief that ultimately caused the destruction of his people—but he still trusted that God would perform miracles in any age for those with faith. 

                Moroni likewise wrote extensively about miracles in the last days.  He said that our day would be one in which “it shall be said that miracles are done away” (Mormon 8:26).  But he wanted to show “unto [us] a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Mormon 9:11).  Speaking against those who “imagine up… a god who can do no miracles” he said, “God has not ceased to be a God of miracles” (Mormon 9:15).  Continuing the same subject he argued, “And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles” (Mormon 9:19).  He also gave the same reason for why God’s miracles might not be present as his father: it is because “they dwindle in unbelief” (Mormon 9:20).  He echoed the same sentiment later on: “For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them” (Ether 12:12).

                So why did these two focus so much on the fact that God is a God of Miracles?  I think it is because of their terrible experiences amidst their own people.  God was not doing miracles because they were so wicked, and therefore Mormon and Moroni had to look to the future for inspiration.  They both trusted immensely in a God who could do miracles, even though their own people had completely rejected Him.  They were as Paul described: “Against hope believed in hope” (Romans 4:18)