The place of dreams and visions in a believer’s life can cause debate and confusion among many people. The question is does God still speak to people through dreams and visions? Or had the time of these dreams and visions passed?
What are dreams and visions?
First, we need to clarify the difference between a dream and a vision. A vision happens when a person is awake and alert, a dream occurs when a person is asleep.
Peter was awake for his vision of the unclean foods in Acts 10:9-23. Joh. Was awake for his vision in Revelation 1:9-11. Pharaoh’s cup-bearer and baker were asleep when they had dreams that Joseph interpreted. (Genesis 40:5-9 ). Joseph, Mary’s husband was asleep when an angel spoke to him about Mary’s miracle pregnancy in Matthew 1:20-24.
Some people feel almost every dream is significant and they need to know the interpretation. Dreams and visions are important for many of us. Some people claim to receive messages from their ancestors through dreams. Perhaps they consult mediums (this is forbidden in the Bible) or pastors whom they believe have the gift of interpretation. Certain dreams have traditional patterns for interpretation, while others do not. In some cases the dreamer will remember the dream until something happens to which they attribute to the dream.
There are 3 types of dreams in the Bible.
Based on biblical teaching, dreams can be classified into three categories:
1. Subconscious Processing
Some dreams are a result of what has been on a person’s mind or stored in their subconscious. These can be memories, past events repressed desires, or unfulfilled hopes. Isaiah says, a hungry person dreams of eating but wakes up still hungry” (Isaiah 29;8). And Solomon writes, “Too much activity gives you restless dreams” (Ecclesiastes 5;3).
2. Spiritual Attacks
Some dreams may be false messages from our spiritual enemies (Deuteronomy 13:2-5; Jude 1:8). Through Jeremiah, God said this about the “smooth-tongued” false prophets: “Their are imaginary dreams are flagrant lies that lead my people into sin. I did not send or appoint them, and they have no message at all for my people” (Jeremiah 23:32).
3, Important Messages
God sometimes gives special dreams, such as the two Pharoh received in Genesis 41:1-7, those experienced by Joseph (Genesis 37:5-10, Solomon (1 Kings 3:5, and Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:28) and the dreams accompanied the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1 & 2). These dreams give important messages that God’s servants need to understand.
Dreams, Discernment and Scripture
Since there is no indication in the Bible that God has stopped using dreams, the simple answer to whether God still speaks through dreams and vision is “Yes.” But we must be careful how we apply this. Remember that God’s special revelation -the Bible -has been completed, and it covers all things we must know about God, his work, and his purposes. We should not look for or except new revelations that expand our knowledge of God, doctrine, and the Bible. New information from any source. Including dreams and visions, must agree with scripture.
If God chooses to speak to a person in a dream, the message of that dream will be consistent with, and not contradict, the teachings of the Bible. The Bible is inspired by God and is sufficient for instruction (2 Timothy 3:16).
What we do in response to our dream must be in agreement with the teachings of the Bible. Also, the dreams and visions of God’s servants like Daniel, Paul, and John show us that special messages are usually very rare. If on is given, it might only occur once in an entire lifetime. These great leaders in the Bible received messages only a few times in their lives. People who receive dreams or visions should be viewed with some skepticism.
Don’t allow yourself to be manipulated by someone who says, “I received this word from you in a dream.” Godly dreams glorify God and help encourage people to proclaim the gospel. They are not given to bring acclaim or glory to an individual. We should listen, pray, and test the message for ourselves to confirm if it is from God.
If God speaks to you through dreams rejoice and follow God’s instructions. If God does not speak to you through dreams, you are no worse or less spiritual than the one who receives dreams.
From Pity to Praise 