What does the Bible say about visions from God?
The visions in the book of Revelation serve as a prophetic warning and a call to repentance for believers to remain faithful to God in the face of persecution and tribulation.
Visions from God are a common theme throughout the Bible, serving as a means of communication between God and His chosen individuals. These divine visions often convey important messages, prophecies, or instructions, and they play a significant role in shaping the beliefs, actions, and destinies of those who receive them.
One of the most well-known examples of a vision from God in the Bible is found in the book of Genesis, where God speaks to the patriarch Abraham through a series of visions. In Genesis 15:1, God appears to Abraham in a vision and reassures him, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." This vision serves as a source of comfort and encouragement for Abraham, affirming God's presence and promise of blessings.
Similarly, in the book of Isaiah, the prophet receives a vision of the Lord seated on a throne surrounded by seraphim. In Isaiah 6:8, God asks, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Isaiah responds, "Here am I. Send me!" This vision of God's glory and holiness inspires Isaiah to offer himself to be the voice of God's message to the people of Israel.
In the New Testament, the Apostle John receives a series of visions while exiled on the island of Patmos, which he records in the book of Revelation. These apocalyptic visions reveal to John the future events that will occur leading up to the end times, including the judgment of the wicked and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The visions in the book of Revelation serve as a prophetic warning and a call to repentance for believers to remain faithful to God in the face of persecution and tribulation.
The Bible also contains instances where dreams are used as a form of divine communication. In the book of Daniel, the prophet interprets the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar, revealing the rise and fall of world empires and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. Daniel's ability to interpret dreams demonstrates the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance in understanding the deeper meanings behind these visions.
In the New Testament, Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, receives a vision from an angel in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife and raise the child as his own. In Matthew 1:20-21, the angel tells Joseph, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
These examples of visions from God in the Bible demonstrate the diverse ways in which God communicates His messages to His servants.