What Are Visions?
Visions are one of the powerful ways God reveals Himself to His people today. In these present times, visions have become more frequent and accessible. A vision is a picture imprinted in our minds—either still or moving. They are the language of the Holy Spirit, meant to give us insight into the spiritual realm.
While faith in Jesus doesn’t require visions, these revelations help us perceive and engage with the unseen world. Even Jesus Himself said that He did what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19).
Many people think that visions are like watching a movie or television. However, visions can come as simple images or subtle impressions from the Holy Spirit. Due to such preconceived ideas, we often overlook or misunderstand these divine encounters.
You may already be receiving visions without realizing it. The Holy Spirit can flash a thought or image into your mind for just a second. Learning to recognize and discern these moments is key.
Biblical Examples of Visions
In the Old Testament
God has been revealing Himself through visions since the beginning of time. Many figures in the Old Testament experienced divine communication:
- Adam saw and heard from God (Genesis 2:15–24)
- Cain heard God’s voice (Genesis 4:5–16)
- Enoch walked closely with God (Genesis 5:23; Jude 14–15)
- Noah conversed with God (Genesis 6:9–22)
- Abraham saw and heard God (Genesis 15:1)
- Moses communed directly with God (Numbers 12:6–8)
Prophets Who Saw Visions
God continued to speak through visions to His chosen prophets:
- Isaiah: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne…” (Isaiah 6:1)
- Jeremiah: “Jeremiah, what do you see?” (Jeremiah 1:11)
- Ezekiel: “I saw visions of God” (Ezekiel 1:1)
New Testament Encounters
Visions were not limited to prophets or special leaders. In the New Testament, both prominent and ordinary believers experienced visions:
- John the Baptist: Saw the Spirit descend like a dove (John 1:32–34)
- Mother Mary: Received a vision from the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26–28)
- Peter, James, and John: Witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration (Luke 9:32)
- Ananias: Received a vision to go to Saul (Acts 9:10–17)
- Philip’s daughters: Had the gift of prophecy, including visions (Acts 21:8–9)
Visions After Pentecost
After Pentecost, God poured out His Spirit on all believers, not just the prophets. As a result, visions and dreams became common among everyday people—auto-rickshaw drivers, teachers, housewives, businesspeople, and others. This is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17.
God desires to commune with all who believe, regardless of title or status.
Types of Visions
1. Inner Visions
Seen with eyes closed, these are the most common. They flash into your imagination and may last just a second or two. With practice and a sanctified mind, you can begin to discern these as divine.
“This is what the Lord God showed me—a basket of summer fruit.”
(Amos 8:1)
2. Open Visions
These occur with eyes open, and your physical senses remain intact. You may see a scene or figure as if it’s right in front of you, even while talking or walking.
“He had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel…”
(Acts 10:3)
3. Trance Visions
Here, your physical senses are temporarily suspended, and you become unaware of your surroundings. However, you remain conscious.
“I fell into a trance and saw Jesus…”
(Acts 22:17)
How the Holy Spirit Speaks Through Images
The Holy Spirit communicates using different types of visual impressions:
Simple Images
They flash into your mind gently. They may be mistaken as your own imagination, but with discernment, you’ll recognize their divine origin.
Audio-Visual Visions
These include both images and sound. For example, Peter saw animals in a sheet and heard a voice speak (Acts 10:13).
Moving Pictures
These visions are dynamic and filled with life. They are similar to watching a video.
“The living creatures darted to and fro like a flash of lightning.”
(Ezekiel 1:13–14)
Final Thoughts
Visions are a beautiful and powerful way the Holy Spirit communicates with us today. They are not limited to spiritual leaders but are available to every believer who is open and sensitive to God’s Spirit.
As you grow in your relationship with God, learn to still your mind, sanctify your imagination, and remain open to the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit. You may already be seeing visions—you just haven’t recognized them yet.
