Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, visions are a significant means by which God communicates His will and divine purposes to His people. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, visions serve as a conduit for divine revelation, guidance, and prophecy, often providing insight into God's plans and instructions for individuals and nations.Old Testament Instances 1. Abraham: One of the earliest recorded visions is given to Abram (later Abraham) in Genesis 15:1: "After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.'" This vision reassures Abram of God's protection and promises, setting the stage for the covenantal relationship that would define the Israelite identity. 2. Jacob: In Genesis 46:2, God speaks to Jacob in a vision at night, saying, "Jacob, Jacob!" Jacob responds, "Here I am." This vision reassures Jacob as he prepares to move his family to Egypt, ensuring him of God's continued presence and the fulfillment of His promises. 3. Samuel: The young prophet Samuel receives a vision in 1 Samuel 3, where God calls him during the night. This vision marks the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry and signifies a new era of divine communication with Israel. 4. Isaiah: The prophet Isaiah's inaugural vision is recorded in Isaiah 6, where he sees the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne. This vision commissions Isaiah as a prophet and reveals God's holiness and the need for Israel's repentance. 5. Ezekiel: Ezekiel's prophetic ministry begins with a series of vivid visions, including the vision of the four living creatures and the wheels within wheels (Ezekiel 1). These visions convey God's glory and sovereignty, as well as His plans for Israel's restoration. New Testament Instances 1. Zechariah: In the Gospel of Luke, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, receives a vision in the temple. An angel appears to him, announcing the birth of his son and his role in preparing the way for the Lord (Luke 1:11-20). 2. Peter: In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision of a sheet descending from heaven, filled with various animals. This vision challenges Peter's understanding of Jewish dietary laws and signifies the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community. 3. Paul: The Apostle Paul experiences several visions throughout his ministry. In Acts 16:9, he receives a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help, which directs Paul and his companions to bring the Gospel to Europe. 4. John: The Book of Revelation is a series of apocalyptic visions given to the Apostle John. These visions reveal the ultimate triumph of God over evil and provide hope and encouragement to persecuted Christians. Purpose and Significance Visions in the Bible often serve multiple purposes: they confirm God's covenant promises, provide guidance and direction, call individuals to prophetic ministry, and reveal future events. They are a testament to God's desire to communicate with His people and to involve them in His redemptive plan. Visions underscore the reality of the spiritual realm and the active role of divine intervention in human history. Through visions, God not only reveals His will but also assures His people of His presence and faithfulness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 89:19Then you spoke in vision to your holy one, and said, I have laid help on one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Other Graces Bestowed on the Saint. The Promises of Our Lord to ... His Name --The Mighty God Of visions. The Graces Our Lord Bestowed on the Saint. The Answers ... "The Kingdom of God is at Hand" On the First Commandment Visions, Revelations, and Locutions. The Real Nature and Purpose of the Old Testament Hope for the Heathen The Return of the Exiles The First Apostle of Peace at any Price Resources How should Christians view the idea of Muslims having dreams/visions about Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org Why is the lack of visions and divinations considered a punishment (Micah 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Visions: False Prophets Pretended to Have Seen Visions: Frequently Difficult and Perplexing to Those Who Received Visions: God Especially Made Himself Known to Prophets By Visions: God often Made Known his Will By Visions: Often Accompanied: A Representative of the Divine Person and Glory Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Angels Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Human Beings Visions: Often Accompanied: An Audible Voice from Heaven Visions: Often Communicated in a Trance Visions: Often Communicated in the Night Season Visions: Often Multiplied for the Benefit of the People Visions: Often Recorded for the Benefit of the People Visions: Sometimes Withheld for a Long Season Visions: The Prophets of God Skilled in Interpreting Visions: The Withholding of a Great Calamity Visions: To Daniel (See Chapters 7, 8, and 10 of Daniel) Visions: To Ezekiel (See Chapters 10, 40-48 of Ezekiel) Visions: To John (See Also Rev Chapters 4 - 22) Related Terms |
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