Bible Question: How are dreams and visions not scriptural? Joel, Daniel, Joseph, etc... either had prophesied or interpreted the things of God through dreams and visions. |
Bible Answer: Hello fgravagna, Well, the short summary answer is: we have the completed Cannon of scripture, they didn't. If dreams and visions are a normative (everyday) way of receiving revelation, then what of the Word of God? Do we do an end run around the authority of scripture as so many attempt? No. Scripture is our source and guide- John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth". If we start seeking and placing our faith in dreams and visions, than we might as well discard God's Word. This is referred to as extra-Biblical revelation. Dreams and visions are very subjective by their very nature are they not? How does one determine objectively where to draw the line? You can't. How do you know the dream or vision was of God? Everything becomes, "what God spoke to me", or "what the Lord told me to do", or "God spoke thus and such to me through this dream", etc. Notice that when tempted by satan, Jesus responded by quoting the Word of God- Matt: 4:1-4 "Matt 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matt 4:2 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. Matt 4:3 And the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." Matt 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'" That's not only a very strong endorsement, but also a supreme example for us to follow! I hope this helps, BradK |