Before humanity received God’s written Word, He communicated His truth to people who had a heart after him using a wide range of expressions. We’ve been taking a look at as many of those, as reasonably possible, attempting to make sense out of some very complicated, and sometimes, controversial manifestations. The Holy Spirit conveys truth to the believer in many different ways. Therefore, I want to continue to investigate how the Spirit speaks truth in this article through the vehicle of vision.
Biblically, the subject of vision is complex, and in order to remain accurate, as well as practical, I want to take some quality time and explain, to the best of my ability at this time, this wonderful, but often difficult means of spiritual expression. Let’s begin!
Many Christian leaders have been setting forth the idea that we are in the time, or very near the time, prior to the second coming of Christ, and what the Bible refers to as the Last Days or the end of all things. (1 Peter 4:7) I would love to believe that the Lord’s return is soon upon us, but I reserve my opinion as to where are at in that time line for numerous reasons which for now must remain unshared for the sake of space, context and time. Nonetheless, we are closer today than we were one hundred years ago. And, if we are nearing that epoch, there are some crucial things we need to understand concerning how the Spirit will speak Kingdom truths before we see Jesus face to face.
Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Joel 2:28-32)
Quoting from the prophet Joel, Peter’s Pentecostal sermon revealed that in the Last Days the Spirit will cause various spiritual manifestations to occur in the people of God. They will prophesy and see great wonders in the sky and earth, but most notably, they will experience visual encounters and expressions of the Spirit of Truth over and above the frequency of verbal spiritual expression. Notice this. They will see visions and dream dreams, which in truth is just another expression of a vision, with the exception that it occurs when one is asleep. Furthermore, the percentage of visual experiences radically outnumbers the audio encounter and expression. This should not be ignored.
1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. 23 Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: 24 And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken. KJV
1 Kings 18:37 Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. 38 Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God. KJV
I have often wondered, and believe that the evidence pertaining to our time and generation may require more visual proof and communications from God than previously essential. The reasons for this could be many. Much of the world, linked by computers and Internet, is becoming increasingly visually driven and stimulated. It is also no coincidence that the condition of the human conscience in the general population, from what I’ve observed, has become so indecisive and passive, that it will take a visual proof of God’s power to rock their world. Remember the account of Elijah and the fire that fell to consume the water-soaked sacrifice on Mount Carmel? The people were initially indecisive concerning who they would follow: Baal or The LORD God. Their conviction of conscience was passive and the people refused to commit to God without proof of His greatness. Hence, after praying, Elijah called out to the Lord and fire fell from the sky displaying visible, undeniable proof of God’s sovereignty! As a result the people, influenced by a visual exhibition, chose to follow God, albeit temporarily. I’m convinced we live in a similar time and the doubting Thomas generations will need to see visible confirmation of God as God! Regrettably, in an attempt to facilitate this visual appetite Church leaders could come to the conclusion that if they use visual stimuli and media resources, those things will suffice. But, No! The things Peter preached of are not of human origin. Before Jesus returns the spiritual knob for visual manifestations will be cranked up to high levels so people can see. Regrettably, this increase of vision will occur in both spiritual kingdoms: God and Satan. Therefore, we desperately need to be instructed in what it means to receive truth from God, by His Spirit, through vision, a vision and visions.
The subject of vision is multi-faceted and because of the wide range of definitions for the word, needs clarification so we can understand what Peter was referring to.
THEY SHALL SEE VISIONS
DEFINING VISION, VISIONS AND A VISION ACCORDING TO DICTIONARY AND THESAURUS
Various dictionaries reveal that the English word “vision” originated in the 14th century and could be defined several different ways.
Number One, it can mean to be something seen in a dream, trance, or ecstasy, especially: a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation. It could be a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination, as a a manifestation to the senses of something immaterial.
Number Two, vision can also mean the mode of seeing or conceiving.
Thirdly, vision may be defined as an unusual discernment or foresight, such as a referring to a person of vision. This would include a direct mystical awareness of the supernatural usually in visible form.
Fourth, vision is the act or power of seeing, as in sight pertaining to the special sense by which the qualities of an object (as color, luminosity, shape, and size) constituting its appearance are perceived through a process in which light rays entering the eye are transformed by the retina into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve
The word and concept of vision is also synonymous to revelation, apocalypse, oracle, prophecy, apparition, phenomenon, presence, daydream, dream, fantasy, imagine, realize and visualize.
Biblically, there are 10 Hebrew and 10 Greek words that can be translated as the word vision, with quite a wide assortment of definitions and components. In order to simplify these words and their definitions and to provide you a somewhat more practical approach to the matter, I have condensed and merged the various definitions of these 20 words in the following description.
A VISION, VISION OR VISIONS, ACCORDING TO THE BIBLICAL LANGUAGES COULD BE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS. ( Please take a look at the chart on Vision)
1.The act or power of seeing, as in sight, where one is gazing, looking, beholding, staring at an appearance of something whereby one may see with the intelligence, by experience & or with the human spirit, in which one may observe, inspect & dissect what is seen with wisdom and understanding. Persons involved in such, regard, take heed to, consider, and learn about what is seen, in order to form a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination. It may include the act or power of positive and negative imagination.
2. Vision may also be defined as to perceive or a perception with an unusual discernment, perception or foresight of something spiritual or character attributes of man. Prophesy, to prophesy are directly related to the definition.
3. Vision may also be something seen in a dream, trance, or ecstasy; especially a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation. It may be a direct mystical awareness of the supernatural usually in visible form and a manifestation to the senses of something immaterial
4. Vision may also be a goal, purpose, hope or desire, hence a vision of the way to go or do i.e., an expectation!
So then, how do these things apply to our subject in learning how the Holy Spirit of Truth speaks through visions?
In order to keep this as simple as possible, at first, let me give you a very condensed list of types of vision, that pertain to our subject biblically.
Prov 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law. NAS
1. There is the type of vision that God’s Spirit inspires in truth that produces a goal, a dream, a purpose, a hope and direction for life. People who lack such become lawless and aimless. They are like wandering, lost little children in adult bodies.
This type of vision, or purpose, may also involve a calling, and since it’s fulfillment is conditional on many factors, it’s fulfillment is generally quite flexible and fluid. That however is not the case for all types of vision, depending of course on how the vision comes and how the Spirit communicates it. Visions of this sort are also often born out of a burden, concern, crisis or bothersome need.
1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? KJV
1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, everyone of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. KJV
1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. KJV
2. The second type of vision is a revelation. The concept of a “revelatory” vision is derived from the Greek word, apokalupsis, or apokalupseoos, that is defined as an uncovering. It is a manifestation of the Spirit to lay bare and disclose a truth concerning divine things before unknown. This uncovering, however, is not malicious or suspicious in nature. It unveils something hidden for the benefit of those receiving it without dishonoring someone in a derogatory manner. It works hand in hand with love and may also inspire intercession and compassion, rather than cruelty, self-righteousness and condemnation. Love covers a multitude of sins.
This form of vision, or revelation, may or may not involve seeing something in the Spirit, and if the person receiving this revelation does see something, that image or picture could be compared to a slide show or flashed image in the inner man. It generally happens quickly, in a matter of a split second and can be challenging to test and sometimes is easily dismissed as an imagination. These visions or revelations may also include a sense of perception accompanied by an inward witness or knowing. This type of vision is, and should be common, in the walk of the spiritually minded believer, but, even so, should always be weighed and discerned against Scripture, God’s character, wisdom and of course the fruit of the Spirit. Its accuracy, however, will be greatly affected by the condition of the conscience and the character of the believer.
3. The third type of vision frequently described in Scripture is something theologians have termed as a “theophany”. A theophany is a spiritual sight of God, His beauty, His plans displayed in spiritual patterns and templates, His power, His glory and things of Heaven.. This manner of vision might come in a variety of forms. Those expressions are as follows.
1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.KJV
Open visions are visions, although rare, are generally associated with both the apostolic and prophetic ministry and callings. This manner of the Holy Spirit’s communication enables the human being to operate in several realms at the same time. The person seeing such a vision will cognizant of both his or her natural and spiritual surroundings and is allowed to see the things of the unseen spiritual realm, such as seeing Jesus as real as the rest of the surroundings. These visions are rare, but still relevant. It is highly probable these will increase as the need for greater revelation and comfort is necessary for the types of times Jesus predicted would occur before His second coming. This type of vision cannot be manufactured or forced to happen, and anyone who dares to do so is in extreme danger. In fact, this type of vision frequently occurred in the Bible at a time the visionary least expected.
Numbers 24:4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: KJV
Acts 10:10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, KJV
Acts 11:5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: KJV
Acts 22:17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; KJV
Trances are another type of vision related to theophanies. I use the word trance cautiously fully aware that the word has gotten a bad rap because the New Age movement uses it in their vocabulary. Nonetheless, it is a biblical word and one of significant importance. A trance is a manifestation of a vision when the person’s physical senses are suspended and he or she is more aware of the spiritual unseen realm than the natural. In fact, when a person falls into a trance, she or he may be oblivious to what’s going on around them. There are numerous examples of godly trances in the Scriptures. Peter the apostle fell into a trance while on the rooftop of the house. He was not expecting it, but the Spirit of God came upon him to reveal a truth of heaven for the purpose of jolting Peter into how God loves humanity.
4. Finally there are numerous references and examples of false and ungodly vision warned of in the Bible. They are identified as vain visions, lying divinations, visions of their own heart, false visions of peace and seeing things in their own spirit. The false prophets identified in the Scriptures demonstrated many of these false visions. However, people with good intentions and wanting to comfort others, yet void of a Word from the Lord, or divine encounter, may see something in their imagination and call it a vision from God. These things must all be considered and tested with great wisdom.
I have included a list of types of vision and vision for you to consider on your own in depth, along with the Bible references for your personal study. Hopefully this will be of help to you. In my next article I will address how the Spirit actually works to manifest the godly visions that instruct us and guide us into truth. Until then, check out what the Bible has to say for each of these categories.
TYPES AND CATEGORIES OF VISION AND VISIONS
A. OLD TESTAMENT-
1. Specifically related to godly visions about, from and of God-
a. Trance- Num 24:4,16
b. Spiritual sight of God-
i. Theophany- Gen. 15:1; 17:1; 18:1,2; 26:2,24; 32:30; 35:1,9; 48:3; Ex. 3:2,16; 4:1, 5; 6:3; 24:11; 33:20, 23; Lev. 9:4. 5:24; 16:2; Numb.9:15; 12:6, 8; 14:10,14; 1 Sam. 3:21; 13:15; Ps. 89:19; Isa. 6:1, 5; Ezek. 1:1, 4, 13-15, 27-28; 8:2,3; 40:2; 43:3; Amos 7:1,4,7; 8:1; 9:1; Dan. 10:7, 16; Joel 2:28; Zech. 9:14; Mal. 3:2; 1:2;
ii. Beauty of the Lord- Ps. 27:4
iii. Power and glory- Ex. 16:7, 10; Numb 14:10,14,22; 16:19,42; 20:6; Deut. 5:24; 31:15; Ps. 63:2; 97:6; 102:16; Isa. 26:10; 40:5; 60:2; 66:18-19; Eze. 3:23; 44:4-5;
c. Spiritual patterns- Ex. 25:9,40; 26:30; 27:8; Num. 8:4;
d. Spiritual sight and revelation- a vision- Gen. 12:7; 16:13; 22:4,8,13,14; 26:28; 31:10,12; 32:2, 30; 41:19, 22,28; Ex. 3:3; 24:17; 14:13, 31; 33:10, 18, Num. 12:6; 22:23,25,31,33; 23:3; 24:1-2, 17,20; Deut. 1:33; 4:9, 12, 15,35; 7:19; 10:21; 18:16; 29:2,4; Josh 5:13; 6:12,22; 13:3,10, 19; Judg 13:6; 1 Sam. 3:15; 2 Sam. 7:17; 1 Chron. 17:15; 2 Chron 32:32; Job 4:16; 7:14; Pro. 22:3; Isa. 1:1; 13:1; 22:5; 29:11; 48:6; 52:8; Jer. 1:10-13; 13:20; 24:1-3; 30:6; Ezek. 1:1, 4, 13-15, 27-28; 2:9; 12:27; 19:5, 11,16-28; 8:2,4, 9, 12, 15, 17; 10:1,8, 9, 15, 20, 22, 22; 11:1, 24; 12:240:3; 40:4; 41:8, 21; 42:11; 43:3; 47:6; Amos 1:1; Micah 1:1; Dan. 8:1-4, 6-7, 13, 15, 20, 26; 9:21, 23, 24; 10:1, 5, 6, 7-8, 14, 16,18; 11:14; Joel 2:4, 28; Nahum 1:1; 2:4; Hos. 12:11; Obad. 1:1; Joel 2:28; Zech. 1:8,18, 20; 2:1; 3:1,4; 4:10; 5:1,5; 6:1,8; Hab. 2:1-3;
i. Saw the Word of the Lord- Isa. 2:1; Jer. 38:21; 2:31;
ii. Err in- Isa. 28:7
e. Burden-Isa. 13:1; Hab 1:1; Isa. 22:1
f. Open vision- 1 Sam 3:1
g. Night vision- Dan. 2:19; 4:5; 7:7,15
i. Visions by night- Dan. 7:2
ii. Visions of the night- Gen. 46:2
h. Grievous- Isa. 21:2l
i. Discernment- Malachi 3:18
j. Perceive—Jer. 23:18
k. Revelations-
i. In God’s appearance- Gen. 35:7
ii. Of spiritual things and persons- Num. 22:31
l. Visions of the head- Dan. 2:28; 4:9,13; 7:1,15
m. Visions of my dream- Dan. 4:9
2. SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO UNGODLY VISIONS NOT FROM GOD-
a. Vain vision- Jer. 23:16; Lam. 2:14; Eze. 13:6-8,23; 12:23-27; 21:29;
b. Lying divination
c. Err in- Isa. 28:7
d. False vision- Jer. 14:14, (Zech. 13:4 ?)
e. Vision of their own heart- Jer. 23:16
f. Deceits- Isa. 30:10
g. Failing vision- Eze. 12:22
h. Visions of peace- Eze. 13:1
3. VISIONS RELATED TO OBSERVATION AND CONSIDERING NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS
a. Observation of man’s life and actions- Ps. 142:4; Pro. 7:7; 22:29; 24:32; 29:16
b. Mirrors- Ex. 38:8
c. Seeing of natural things linked to spiritual things- Gen 3:6; 9:14; 13:10,14; 21:9; 31:2,5; 40:6, 16; 45:27; Ex. 2:11-12; 16:15; Deut. 28:34, 67; 34:1,4; Num. 24:20; 27:12; 1 Sam. 16:7; Pro. 6:6; 27:12; Isa. 11:3;Eze.. 37:8; Dan. 1:10,13,15; Hag.2:3; Hab. 3:7
i. Ungodly- Eze. 21:21
4. WHERE THERE IS NO VISION- Pro. 29:18; Ecc.1:8; Lam. 2:9; Micah 3:6
a. Seen nothing, following their own spirit- Eze. 13:3
b. Unable to see- Eze. 12:2
c. Observe not- Isa. 42:20
5. GENERAL AND UNSPECIFIED TYPES OF VISIONS- Pro. 20:12 22:3 24:32; 26:12; 27:12; Eze. 7:26; Dan. 1:17; Joel 2:28; Zech. 13:4
6. Natural seeing or sight
B. NEW TESTAMENT-
1. SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO GODLY VISIONS ABOUT, FROM, AND OF GOD-
a. Open- Matt. 17:3, 9; Acts 7:31; 12:9; Luke 9:36
b. Vision of God-
i. Theophany- Matt. 5:8; 24:30, 26:64; 28:7; Mark 13:26; 14:62; 16:7; John 16:16-22; 19:37; John 1:18; 5:37; 6:46; 8:38; 14:7,9; 15:24; 20:18, 20; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:5-7; Acts 1:3; 9:10, 17; 13:31; 18:9; 26:19; 2 Cor. 12:1; Heb. 11:27; 1 Pet. 1:8; Heb. 9:28; 12:14; 1 John 3:2; Rev. 1:7; 22:4
ii. In glory- Luke 9:31; John 11:40; Acts 7:2
c. Spiritual sight and revelation- a vision- Mark 9:4;Luke 1:11,22; 9:36; 16:23; 21:27; 24:34, 23; John 8:57; 9:37; 14:7; John 1:51; Acts 2:3; 9:12; 10:3; Acts 16:9; 26:16; Rev. 11:19; 12:1-3; 9:17
d. Trance- Mark 5:42; 16:8; Luke 5:26; Acts 10:10, 17,19; 11:5; 22:17
e. Vision with a pattern- Acts 7:44
f. Revelations- Rom 2:5; 16:25; 1 Cor 14:6, 26; 2 Cor 12:1, 7; Gal 1:12; 2:2; Eph 1:17; 3:3; 1 Peter 1:13; Rev 1:1
g. General vision- Acts 12:9; 16:9-10; 22:15; 1 John 1:1-3; 3:6; Acts 2:17;
2. VISIONS RELATED TO OBSERVATION AND CONSIDERING NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS
a. Seeing of natural things linked to spiritual things- Luke 13:49; Acts 7:30-31, 35
b. Perceive- Human condition of spirit- Acts 8:23
c. Take heed- Matt. 16:6; 18:10; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:15
3. Not seen- Col. 2:18; 1 John 4:20; 3 John 1:11
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