Question 1

Does God still speak to people through dreams?

Accepted Answer

Acts 2:17“In the last days,” God says, “I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.”In this verse, the phrase “last days” means the time leading up to the return of Jesus Christ. Some scholars believe the “last days” refers to the entire time between Christ’s first and second comings, which of course includes this current time. Others believe it refers to the few years just prior to Christ’s return to earth and his final judgment. Regardless of which interpretation is correct, this verse clearly indicates that God is not done communicating to his people through dreams.Hebrews 1:1-2Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.In the Old Testament, God often spoke to his prophets in dreams or visions. These dreams often revealed something about the future to verify God’s trustworthiness—that he would do what he had promised to do. These dreams were confirmed when the real event happened. This verse, however, seems to be saying that since the earthly ministry of Jesus, dreams may not be as necessary, because God has revealed himself and his plans more clearly through his Son. Also, when Jesus ascended into heaven, he left behind his Holy Spirit to give us unique wisdom and discernment in spiritual matters. In addition, the Bible, God’s Word, is available to more people than ever. This does not mean that God no longer speaks through dreams or visions, but that he wants us to regularly read his Word, directly communicate with Jesus, and rely on the Holy Spirit to know his will.

Question 2

What are some reasons why God might communicate in a dream?

Accepted Answer

Acts 16:9-10That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.God could use a dream to call you to a unique assignment. The Holy Spirit had told Paul and his companions not to go to Asia or Bithynia (Acts 16:6-7). They were probably confused as to where they were to go to preach the Good News. It was clear from this vision that the Holy Spirit was guiding them to Macedonia, where they would be more productive in the Lord’s work.Genesis 28:13-15At the top of the stairway stood the Lord, and he said, “I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”God could use a dream to encourage you, as he did Jacob, and remind you of his presence and promises. In this passage, Jacob’s dream contained no new revelation from God, but confirmed important knowledge.

Question 3

How can I know if a dream or vision is from God?

Accepted Answer

1 Thessalonians 5:17Never stop praying.Stay close to God through prayer and ask for wisdom to discern his guidance in whatever form he chooses to send it.Proverbs 15:22Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.Wise and mature believers should be consulted to help interpret a dream. Even then only time will tell if it is truly from the Lord.2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.The Word of God is authoritative. No dream from God would ever contradict the clear teaching and intent of the Scriptures. No dream can be given the authority of the Word of God or be a new word from God. Thus, a dream can only confirm what you know to be true from God’s Word.Jeremiah 23:25-28, 36-37I have heard these prophets say, “Listen to the dream I had from God last night.” And then they proceed to tell lies in my name. How long will this go on? If they are prophets, they are prophets of deceit, inventing everything they say. By telling these false dreams, they are trying to get my people to forget me, . . . There is a difference between straw and grain!”Because so many dreams are subjective and even bizarre, and often twist known facts, they can be easy tools for deception and manipulation. Use extreme caution when someone tries to convince you that their dream was from God and should influence your behavior.

Dreams/Visions