What role do "visions and revelations" play in strengthening our faith? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Boast in Visions and Revelations 2 Corinthians 12:1 reads, “I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.” Paul refers to undeniable, supernatural experiences from God. He does not deny their importance; he simply refuses to build his worth on them. Scripture gives the account so believers see how God uses visions and revelations to anchor faith, not inflate pride. Why God Gives Visions and Revelations • Confirmation of divine truth • Acts 9:3-6 – Saul’s encounter with the risen Jesus proves Christ’s resurrection and Lordship. • Revelation 1:1 – Jesus “made it known” to John, validating the message that follows. • Personal encouragement and strengthening • Acts 18:9-10 – The Lord appears to Paul in Corinth: “Do not be afraid… for I am with you.” • Guidance for gospel mission • Acts 16:9-10 – The Macedonian vision redirects Paul into Europe. • Revelation of God’s plans so the church hopes confidently • Daniel 7; Revelation 21 – Visions unveil future victory, sustaining perseverance. • Reminder of God’s nearness • Genesis 15:1 – “Do not fear, Abram. I am your shield,” spoken in a vision, assures covenant faithfulness. How They Strengthen Faith Today • They display God’s sovereignty: He freely breaks into natural life, proving He rules over it. • They highlight the reliability of Scripture: recorded visions became canonical text; trusting them equals trusting God’s Word. • They stir holy expectation: Joel 2:28 promises that sons and daughters will prophesy; Acts 2:17 shows fulfillment has begun. • They foster bold obedience: people who have seen God’s direction move forward despite opposition, just as Paul continued preaching after the Corinthian vision. • They cultivate worship: beholding God’s glory, whether directly or through the testimony of others (like John’s in Revelation), fuels adoration. Grounded in Scripture, Guarded by Discernment • Scripture stands as the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Any present-day claim must align with the Bible’s plain teaching. • Genuine experiences exalt Christ, not self (John 16:14). Paul models humility by speaking in the third person about his own vision (2 Corinthians 12:2-5). • God may choose extraordinary means, yet He ordinarily nurtures faith through the written Word, corporate worship, and obedient living (Romans 10:17). Living in Expectation of God’s Self-Disclosure Believers walk with confidence that the God who once spoke through burning bushes, heavenly chariots, and apocalyptic imagery still communicates clearly, primarily through Scripture and, at His discretion, through visions and revelations. These divine interventions point back to the trustworthy Word, lift weary hearts, guide mission, and magnify the glory of Christ, thereby strengthening faith for every step ahead. |
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