There are four types of biblical visions from the Lord. Those four visions are open vision, inner vision, night vision which is the same as a dream, and a trance vision. This blog will provide detailed definitions, examples, and some personal testimonies to validate and to educate concerning these supernatural expressions of God toward his people.
What are visions?
A vision is a supernatural visitation from the Lord. I could try and impress you by going all Hebraic and Greek on you, but basically a vision is simply a visitation from the Lord. Every time the Lord gives a vision there is a purpose for it. Visions are never accidental. Visions are one of the many ways that God has chosen to communicate to his people.
Who can have visions?
The short answer is anyone. There are many instances in the Bible of God's covenant people receiving visions from the Lord. Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and David are a few of God's people who had visions. It is also interesting to note that an enemy of Gideon had a night vision (Judges 7:9-15). The Lord also gave a pagan king named Nebuchadnezzar a prophetic dream.
When can visions occur?
They may occur in the day or at night. Often the atmosphere is the most ripe for a vision whenever there has been prayer, praise, mediation, or worship. God may invade the natural realm whenever he chooses to do so, but typically we are the most receptive at receiving a vision whenever our hearts and minds are set upon the Lord.
Where do visions happen?
Visions may happen at home, church, or even on the job. I once received a vision from the Lord while I was in the passenger seat of a dump truck. Thank God I wasn't the one driving at the time!
Why do we have visions?
Visions release revelation. We need revelation to experience greater degrees of God's glory and liberty. A vision will communicate a truth. We need truth to walk in freedom and in victory. God will grant us supernatural strategies and wisdom for victory in our lives. Anytime we receive a vision from the Lord we must ensure that the context of the vision is in scriptural agreement with God's written word the Bible. The Lord will never give a vision that contradicts what has been revealed in his written word.
How do we have visions?
The Bible records four different times that the just shall live by faith. Receiving a vision from the Lord will require faith. Keeping your faith and trust in God will properly position you for receiving a vision from the Lord.
Wow I got a vision
Jesus Christ appeared to a disciple named Ananias in a vision in Acts 9. Jesus had a supernatural assignment for this man of God. He was to go and to minister to Saul of Tarsus. That must have been one momentous WOW for Ananias. After all Saul was taking Christians to prison and having them sentenced to death. Jesus instructed Ananias to go and pray for Saul. Often a vision from the Lord will create a life changing moment for those who are receiving visitation.
Outer Vision - Matthew 17
Probably the last thing that Peter, James, and John were expecting that day on top of the mount of transfiguration was a visit from Elijah and Moses. The Bible tells us that the Glory of the Lord also appeared on the mountain. That's why I like getting in the Glory there's no telling who will show up in the service! This was an open vision from heaven. Moses and Elijah were just as real to Peter, James, and John as the nose on Jesus' face. In an open vision you may actually interact within the vision whereas with an inner vision you usually only are observing what is occurring.
Inner Vision - Acts 9
After Saul of Tarsus is knocked off his high horse on his road to Damascus experience with Jesus, he is temporarily blinded by the Lord. While on a three day fast Saul receives an inner vision of a man named Ananias laying hands on him and receiving his sight back. This vision was seen in the mind or imagination of Saul, since at this time he is physically unable to see. An inner vision been described by some as watching TV in their minds.
Your mind is a powerful weapon. It is imperative that Christians keep their minds focused on things that are lovely, of good report, holy, just, right, and praiseworthy. The Holy Spirit wants to communicate to our hearts and minds. An inner vision is a common way for the Lord to release revelation to those who have renewed their minds with the Word of God.
Night Vision or Dream - Daniel 2
A night vision is simply a dream from the Lord. It is important to note that not every dream that we dream is necessarily from the Lord or even spiritual for that matter (Ecclesiastes 5:3). Night visions need to be interpreted. We always interpret visions, dreams, and prophetic symbolism in line with God's Word. I once asked the Lord why he chose to speak to me in dreams. He said "Because your flesh doesn't get in the way." Dreams are a means of communicating wonderful and ofter deep revelation knowledge.
Trance Vision - Acts 10
The apostle Peter fell into a trance vision in the book of Acts. A trance vision occurs as the spiritual realm transcends into the natural realm simultaneously. The physical senses are often suspended during this type of vision. Spiritual trances tend to be the rarest of visions that are experienced. In a trance vision you may be taken into different locations in the spirit of even in the natural realm. An example of the prophet Ezekiel being taken to Israel from Babylon would qualify as a trance (Ezekiel 11)
Outpouring of the Spirit - Joel 2
Dreams, visions, and supernatural visitations are a direct result of God pouring out his Spirit upon all flesh. It is important to emphasize the fact that we are to seek God first and then allow the Holy Spirit to manifest his presence however he chooses to do so. There are a few guidelines that I would like to interject whenever we are dealing with the topic of spiritual visions. These experiences can not be manipulated. They are a part of our spiritual inheritance and should be joyfully received. We should always allow the Spirit of God to dictate and lead us into these experiences. God never forces us into these encounters because that would be a violation of our freewill.
Remember for every truth there is a counterfeit. Hypnotists, psychics, and other so called spiritual mediums are trying to obtain illegal revelation through conjuring up demonic forces and methods. This is witchcraft and it is forbidden for Christians to be apart of. God will expose the fakes and frauds. We are to pursue the truth. God's goodness is truly amazing. May God grant you supernatural visitation as you pursue him.
In Christ,
Apostle James Willis
© 2013 James
Willis Ministries. This work may not be duplicated or copied for
personal monetary gain or commercial purposes. It may be freely shared,
displayed, and reused for the furtherance of God's kingdom only.
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