Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, a vision is a supernatural revelation given by God to individuals, often serving as a means of communication between the divine and human realms. Visions are distinct from dreams, as they typically occur when the recipient is awake and fully conscious. Throughout the Scriptures, visions play a crucial role in conveying God's will, guidance, and prophetic messages to His people.Old Testament Instances Visions are prevalent in the Old Testament, where they are often associated with prophets and significant figures. One of the earliest recorded visions is that of Abram, to whom God appeared in a vision, promising him a great reward and descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:1-5). This vision established the Abrahamic covenant, a foundational element of biblical theology. The prophet Isaiah received a profound vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, surrounded by seraphim, which marked the beginning of his prophetic ministry (Isaiah 6:1-8). This vision emphasized God's holiness and the call to prophetic service. Ezekiel's visions are among the most vivid and symbolic in the Old Testament. His inaugural vision by the Kebar River included the appearance of four living creatures and the glory of the Lord (Ezekiel 1:1-28). These visions conveyed messages of judgment and restoration for Israel. Daniel, another major prophet, experienced several visions that revealed future events and the coming of God's kingdom. In one vision, he saw four great beasts representing successive empires, culminating in the establishment of an everlasting dominion (Daniel 7:1-14). New Testament Instances In the New Testament, visions continue to serve as a mode of divine revelation. The apostle Peter received a vision of a sheet descending from heaven, filled with various animals, which taught him that God does not show favoritism and that the Gospel is for all people (Acts 10:9-16). This vision was pivotal in the early Church's understanding of Gentile inclusion. The apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, encountered a life-changing vision on the road to Damascus. A light from heaven flashed around him, and he heard the voice of Jesus, leading to his conversion and subsequent mission to the Gentiles (Acts 9:3-6). The Book of Revelation, attributed to the apostle John, is a series of apocalyptic visions that reveal the ultimate triumph of God over evil. John describes being "in the Spirit" on the Lord's Day and receiving visions of heavenly worship, the Lamb of God, and the final judgment (Revelation 1:10-19). Purpose and Characteristics Visions in the Bible often serve several purposes: they provide guidance, deliver prophetic messages, reveal divine mysteries, and offer encouragement or warning. They are characterized by vivid imagery, symbolic elements, and a sense of divine authority. Recipients of visions are typically called to convey the message to others, often facing opposition or disbelief. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, visions underscore the belief in a God who actively communicates with His creation. They affirm the reality of the spiritual realm and the ongoing relationship between God and humanity. Visions also highlight the role of prophets and apostles as God's chosen instruments for revealing His purposes. In summary, visions are a significant mode of revelation in the Bible, providing insight into God's character, His plans for humanity, and the unfolding of redemptive history. They demonstrate the continuity of God's communication from the Old Testament to the New Testament, affirming His sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 12:6And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known to him in a vision, and will speak to him in a dream. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 3:1 2 Chronicles 26:5 Psalm 89:19 Proverbs 29:18 Jeremiah 14:14 Jeremiah 23:16 Daniel 1:17 Hosea 12:10 Joel 2:28 Obadiah 1:1 Habakkuk 2:2 Acts 2:17 Library Let us Now Examine the Conditions under which a Revelation May be ... The Phenomena at the Baptism, and their Import. The Apocalypse. The vision of Creation An Obscured vision Marcus' System Explained by Iren??us; Marcus' vision; the vision ... The Certainty of Sacred Theology Book Twelve the Mode of Creation and the Truth of Scripture. ... John i. 18 Chapter xv Resources What are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.orgHow did God use dreams and visions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Does God still give visions to people today? | GotQuestions.org Vision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Vision of Abraham: Concerning his Descendants Vision of Amos of a Plumb-Line Vision of Amos of Grasshoppers Vision of Amos of Summer Fruit Vision of Cornelius, the Centurion of an Angel Vision of Daniel of the Ancient of Days Vision of Daniel of the Four Beasts Vision of Daniel of the Ram and the He-Goat Vision of David of the Angel of the Lord Beside the Threshing-Floor of Ornan Vision of Elisha: At the Transporting of Elijah Vision of Elisha's Servant of the Chariots of the Lord Vision of Ezekiel of the City and Temple Vision of Ezekiel of the Coals of Fire Vision of Ezekiel of the Dry Bones Vision of Ezekiel of the Glory of God Vision of Ezekiel of the Man of Fire Vision of Ezekiel of the Waters Vision of Isaiah of the Lord and his Glory in the Temple Vision of Isaiah of the Valley of Vision Vision of Jacob of the Ladder With Ascending and Descending Angels Vision of Jacob: At Beer-Sheba Vision of Jeremiah of an Almond Rod Vision of Jeremiah of the Seething Pot Vision of John on the Island of Patmos of Christ and the Golden Lampstands Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: A Rainbow and the Throne Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: A Son of Man With a Sickle Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: Death and Hell (Gehenna) Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: One-Third of the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars Were Darkened Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: Satan Bound for One-Thousand Years Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Coming out of the Temple Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Having Power Over Fire Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Having the Everlasting Gospel Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel in the Sun Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Proclaiming the Fall of Babylon Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Reaping the Harvest Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel That had a Book Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angels With the Seven Last Plagues Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Army of Horsemen Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Beast Coming out of the Earth Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Beast Rising out of the Sea Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Beast That Came up out of the Bottomless Pit Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Book With Seven Seals Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Bottomless Pit Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Censer Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Court of the Gentiles Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Destruction of Babylon Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Earthquake and the Celestial Phenomena Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Fall of the City Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Falling Star Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Angels Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Angels Released from the Euphrates River Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Horses Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Living Creatures Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Golden Vials Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Great White Throne Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Hail and Fire Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Lamb on Mount Zion Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Locusts Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Measurement of the Temple Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Mountain That Was Thrown Into the Sea Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Multitude Praising Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The New Jerusalem Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The One Who is Faithful and True, Riding a White Horse Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Open Door Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Opening of the Book of Life Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Plague Upon the Men Who had the Mark of the Beast Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Red Dragon Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The River of Life Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Sea of Glass Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Sea Turned Into Blood Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Sealing of the One Hundred and Forty Four Thousand Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Second and Third Woes Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Seven Angels With the Seven Vials of the Wrath of God Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Seven Lamps Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Seven Thunders Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Seventh Seal and the Seven Angels Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Six Seals Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Temple Opened Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Thrones of Judgment Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Tree of Life Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Twenty-Four Elders Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Two Olive Trees and the Two Lampstands Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Two Witnesses Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Vine and the Winepress Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The War in Heaven Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Woman Clothed With the Sun Vision of John the Baptist: At the Immersion of Jesus Vision of Joshua of the Captain of the Lord's Army Vision of Micaiah of the Defeat of the Israelites; of the Lord on his Throne; and of a Lying Spirit Vision of Moses of the Burning Bush Vision of Moses of the Glory of God Vision of Paul of a Man of Macedonia, Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia, and Help Us" Vision of Paul of Christ, on the Way to Damascus Vision of Peter of the Sheet Which Was Lowered from the Sky Vision of the Israelites of the Manifestation of the Glory of God Vision of the People of the Tongues of Fire at Pentecost Vision of Zacharias in the Temple Vision of Zechariah of Horns and Carpenters Vision of Zechariah of the Flying Roll Vision of Zechariah of the Golden Lampstand Vision of Zechariah of the High Priest Vision of Zechariah of the Mountains and Chariots Related Terms |