Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, visions are frequently depicted as extraordinary experiences where individuals are granted a glimpse into the divine realm. These visions often include a representative of the Divine Person and His glory, serving as a conduit for God's messages and revelations to humanity. Throughout Scripture, these encounters are marked by awe-inspiring imagery and profound spiritual significance.Old Testament Examples 1. Abraham's Vision: In Genesis 15, God appears to Abram in a vision, promising him numerous descendants and a land for his offspring. The vision includes a divine representative, as "the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision" (Genesis 15:1), signifying God's direct communication and covenant with him. 2. Isaiah's Vision: The prophet Isaiah experiences a vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim surround Him, proclaiming His holiness. Isaiah writes, "I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up" (Isaiah 6:1). This vision underscores the majesty and glory of God, as well as Isaiah's calling to prophetic ministry. 3. Ezekiel's Vision: Ezekiel's inaugural vision by the Kebar River is one of the most vivid in the Old Testament. He sees a stormy wind, a great cloud, and fire flashing forth continually. Within this vision, he beholds the likeness of four living creatures and the glory of the Lord. Ezekiel describes, "This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD" (Ezekiel 1:28). The vision serves as a powerful representation of God's presence and authority. New Testament Examples 1. The Transfiguration: In the Gospels, the Transfiguration of Jesus is a pivotal vision where Peter, James, and John witness Jesus' divine glory. "His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light" (Matthew 17:2). Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets, and a voice from the cloud declares Jesus as the beloved Son, emphasizing His divine nature and mission. 2. Paul's Vision: The Apostle Paul recounts his vision of the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, a transformative encounter that leads to his conversion. In Acts 9, Paul sees a light from heaven and hears the voice of Jesus, marking a direct divine intervention in his life. This vision is pivotal in Paul's calling as an apostle to the Gentiles. 3. John's Vision in Revelation: The Book of Revelation is replete with visions granted to the Apostle John. In Revelation 1, John sees a vision of the glorified Christ, described with symbolic imagery: "His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire" (Revelation 1:14). This vision sets the stage for the apocalyptic revelations that follow, highlighting Christ's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. Theological Significance Visions in the Bible often serve as a means for God to reveal His will, character, and future plans to His chosen servants. These experiences are not merely personal revelations but are intended for the edification and guidance of God's people. The presence of a divine representative in these visions underscores the transcendence and immanence of God, bridging the gap between the heavenly and earthly realms. Through these visions, the glory of God is made manifest, affirming His holiness, power, and redemptive purposes throughout history. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 6:1In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the LORD sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Preacher as a Man of God. Enthusiasm. The Land and the People. Pentecost Ancestors of the Blessed virgin Preached Before the Governor, and Council, and the House of ... The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ... Making and Breaking Connections. Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Bunsen's Biblical Researches. Resources Who was Ellen G. White? | GotQuestions.orgAre books such as 90 Minutes in Heaven, Heaven is for Real, and 23 Minutes in Hell biblically sound? | GotQuestions.org Who was Hildegard of Bingen? | 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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