DESIGN AND PURPOSE OF DREAMS AND VISIONS

DESIGN AND PURPOSE OF DREAMS AND VISIONS

1.      GREETINGS.

To God the Almighty, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power, Amen.

Good day to you, dearly Beloved.

2.      INTRODUCTIONS.

Teaching about Dreams and Visions, with the design and purpose of each, is not an easy task. Though, the knowledge of these things will be refreshing, and updating.

We are going to define our subject matter, as a normal natural phenomenal, and as a spiritual experience.

Objectively, we are going to see, lastly, which of these (Dreams or Visions) could be experienced in this present dispensation.

3.      THE NATURAL PHENOMENAL CALLED DREAM, AND VISION.

SCIENCE approaches dreams and visions from a neurological and psychological perspective.                 Here is how science explains them:

🔬 1. What Does Science Say About Dreams and Visions?

Dreams are mental experiences that usually occur during REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement). In this phase, your brain is active, almost like when you’re awake, and that’s when most vivid dreams happen.

Visions in scientific terms, often refer to vivid mental imagery that can happen while awake, usually tied to altered states of consciousness—like meditation, hallucinations, or even neurological conditions.

Science does not interpret dreams or visions as divine messages, but rather as brain functions tied to memory, emotion, and problem-solving.

🧠 2. Why Do We Dream? (Scientific Theories)

There are several theories, including:

a.           Memory Consolidation

Dreams help the brain sort, organize, and store important memories and discard the unimportant ones.

b.           Emotional Regulation

Dreams allow us to process and deal with emotions, especially stress, trauma, and unresolved issues.

c.            Threat Simulation Theory

Dreams serve as a safe space to “practice” dealing with threats, which may have helped early humans survive.

d.           Cognitive Development

In children, dreaming may be part of how the brain matures and develops complex thinking skills.

e.           Random Activation (Activation-Synthesis Theory)

The brainstem sends out random signals during REM sleep, and the brain tries to make sense of them by creating a story — the dream.

🧬 3. How Do We Dream Scientifically?

Dreaming is mainly controlled by brain regions such as:

The limbic system (emotions)

The prefrontal cortex (decision-making; less active during dreams)

The amygdala (fear and emotional memory)

The brainstem (initiates REM sleep)

During REM sleep:

Brain waves are fast and irregular.

Eyes move rapidly.

Muscles are temporarily paralyzed (to prevent acting out dreams).

Neurotransmitters like acetylcholine are active, while serotonin and norepinephrine levels drop.

When we sleep, our brain goes through various stages of activity and restoration.                                Here’s what happens:

Stages of Sleep

Non-REM Sleep: Our brain waves slow down, and we experience decreased body temperature, heart rate, and muscle relaxation. This stage is crucial for physical recovery and memory consolidation.

    - Stage 1: We drift into sleep, and brain waves slow down.

    - Stage 2: Our heart rate and breathing slow, and body temperature drops.

    - Stage 3: Deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep, where growth hormone is secreted, and our immune system is boosted.

REM Sleep: Our brain waves become more active, similar to when we’re awake. This stage is essential for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation.

    - Dreaming: Most of our vivid dreams occur during REM sleep.

    - Brain Activity: Brain waves resemble those during wakefulness.

Brain Activities During Sleep

- Memory Consolidation: Our brain processes and stores new information, transferring it from short-term to long-term memory.

- Emotional Regulation: Sleep helps us regulate emotions, reducing stress and anxiety.

- Waste Clearance: Our brain clears out toxins and waste products that build up during the day.

- Neurotransmitter Regulation: Our brain regulates neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, which helps with memory and learning ¹ ².

Importance of Sleep

- Physical Recovery: Sleep is essential for physical restoration, including tissue growth and repair.

- Cognitive Function: Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining cognitive function, including attention, problem-solving, and decision-making.

- Emotional Well-being: Sleep helps regulate emotions, reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders ¹.

4. What Does The Bible Say About Dreams and Visions?

Bible sees dreams and visions as ways through which God communicates with people.

Dreams are typically described as experiences that occur while someone is asleep. These dreams can contain symbolic messages or revelations from God. For example, in the Old Testament, Joseph and Daniel had significant dreams that conveyed important messages.

Visions, on the other hand, are often described as experiences where a person sees a supernatural event or message while awake. These are often vivid and may involve direct interaction with divine beings or receiving divine instructions. For instance, the prophet Ezekiel and the apostle Peter had significant visions in the Bible.

Both are considered means by which God reveals His will or guidance to individuals.

5.      VISIONS AND ITS PURPOSE

Definition and Nature

In the biblical context, visions are supernatural revelations given by God to individuals, often serving as a means of communication between the divine and human realms. These experiences can occur while the recipient is fully awake or in a sleep-like (dream-like) state, and they often convey messages, guidance, or prophetic insight. Visions are distinct from dreams in that they are typically more vivid and are perceived as direct encounters with the divine.

Old Testament Examples

Visions are prevalent throughout the Old Testament, serving as a critical method through which God communicates with His prophets and chosen individuals.

a.       One of the earliest examples is found in Genesis 15:1, where God appears to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." This vision reassures Abram of God's protection and promises.

b.      The prophet Isaiah also experienced visions, as noted in Isaiah 1:1: "This is the vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah." Isaiah's visions often contained messages of judgment and hope for Israel.

c.       Ezekiel's ministry is marked by a series of profound visions, beginning with his inaugural vision by the Kebar River, where he sees the glory of the Lord (Ezekiel 1:1-28). These visions are characterized by vivid imagery and symbolic actions, conveying God's messages to the exiled Israelites.

6.      New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, visions continue to play a significant role in the unfolding of God's plan.

a.       Peter receives a vision in Acts 10:9-16, where a sheet containing various animals is lowered from heaven, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community. This vision challenges Peter's understanding of Jewish dietary laws and signifies the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

b.      Paul also experiences visions that guide his missionary work. In Acts 16:9-10, Paul has a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help, which leads him to bring the Gospel to Europe. Additionally, Paul recounts a vision of being caught up to the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4, emphasizing the profound and sometimes ineffable nature of these divine encounters.

c.       The Book of Revelation, attributed to the apostle John, is a series of apocalyptic visions that reveal the ultimate triumph of God over evil. Revelation 1:1 describes it as "the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass." These visions are rich in symbolism and provide hope and encouragement to persecuted Christians.

Prophetic dreams occur many times in the Bible and are experienced by all sorts of people, including prophets (Daniel 7:1), ungodly kings (Daniel 2), and average men (Genesis 31:24). Sometimes the dreams required interpretation, as with Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2. Other times, no interpretation was necessary as God spoke clearly to the dreamer, as in the story of Abimelech and Abraham’s wife (Genesis 20:1–6).                                                                                                                       Daniel was careful to give praise to God, who alone gives the wisdom to interpret such dreams (Daniel 2:20–23).

7.      Purpose and Function of Vision

Visions in the Bible serve multiple purposes:

a.       They often provide guidance, as seen in the visions given to Paul and Peter, directing the early church's mission and outreach. They also serve as a means of revelation, unveiling divine mysteries and future events, as exemplified in the Book of Revelation.

b.      Furthermore, visions can be a source of encouragement and reassurance, as in the case of Abram's vision in Genesis 15. They affirm God's presence and promises, strengthening the faith of the recipient and the broader community.

8.      Discernment and Interpretation

a.       The Bible emphasizes the need for discernment in interpreting visions. Not all visions are from God, and the Scriptures warn against false prophets who claim to have divine visions (Jeremiah 23:16). The authenticity of a vision is often confirmed by its alignment with God's revealed word and its fulfillment in history.

b.      In the New Testament, the gift of discernment is highlighted as essential for understanding spiritual experiences (1 Corinthians 12:10). The early church relied on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the counsel of mature believers to interpret visions and their implications for the community.

The spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, also called “gifts of the Spirit” or “charismata” (from the Greek charisma, meaning “grace gift”), are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers in Christ for the purpose of serving God, edifying the Church, and advancing the Kingdom of God.

These gifts are described mainly in four key passages of the New Testament:

a.       1 Corinthians 12:1–11, 27–31

b.      Romans 12:6–8

c.       Ephesians 4:11–13

d.      1 Peter 4:10–11

🔥 1. The Nine Manifestation Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7–11)

These are supernatural gifts that operate under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Paul calls them the "manifestation of the Spirit."

Revelation Gifts (Mind of God):

1. Word of Wisdom – Supernatural insight into the divine will and purpose. Knowing what to do in complex situations through divine wisdom.

2. Word of Knowledge – Divine revelation of facts or information that are humanly impossible to know.

3. Discerning of Spirits – Ability to perceive the presence and type of spiritual influence—whether from God, humans, or demonic.

Power Gifts (Hand of God)

4. Gift of Faith – Special faith to believe God for the impossible, beyond ordinary faith.

5. Gifts of Healings – Supernatural ability to heal diseases and infirmities.

6. Working of Miracles – Supernatural intervention in the natural order, like raising the dead or multiplying food.

Vocal Gifts (Mouth of God)

7. Prophecy – Speaking under divine inspiration for edification, exhortation, and comfort.

8. Divers kinds of Tongues – Speaking in languages unknown to the speaker, used for prayer or edification.

9. Interpretation of Tongues – Supernatural ability to interpret unknown tongues into the known language.

2. The Motivational Gifts (Romans 12:6–8)

These gifts reflect the way a person is spiritually wired by God. They're often part of one’s character or inner drive.

1. Prophecy – Ability to boldly proclaim God’s truth and call people to righteousness.

2. Serving (Ministry) – Gifted in meeting the practical needs of others.

3. Teaching – Ability to clearly explain and communicate biblical truth.

4. Exhortation – Encouraging, strengthening, and motivating others in their faith.

5. Giving – Supernatural generosity and ability to fund God's work.

6. Leadership (Administration) – Capacity to lead and guide others effectively.

7. Mercy – Exceptional compassion and care for those who are suffering or in need.

✝️ 3. The Ministry (Office) Gifts (Ephesians 4:11–13)

These are leadership roles Christ gave to the Church for equipping believers.

1. Apostles – Sent ones; pioneers who establish churches and ministries.

2. Prophets – Those who receive and communicate messages from God.

3. Evangelists – Gifted in sharing the gospel and leading people to salvation.

4. Pastors (Shepherds) – Caring leaders who nurture and guide the flock.

5. Teachers – Those who interpret, explain, and apply Scripture to everyday life.

🙏 4. The Serving Gifts (1 Peter 4:10–11)

Peter organizes gifts into two broad categories:

1. Speaking gifts – Preaching, teaching, exhorting.

2. Serving gifts – Helping, giving, hospitality, etc.

Peter emphasizes that all gifts should be used:

 "as good stewards of the manifold grace of God... so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:10–11)

📜 Key Principles About Spiritual Gifts

Given by the Holy Spirit to every believer (1 Cor. 12:7).

For the common good – to build up others, not for self-promotion (1 Cor. 12:7, Eph. 4:12).

Should be used in love – without love, even the greatest gift is useless (1 Cor. 13:1–3).

We don’t all have the same gifts – the Church is like a body with many parts (1 Cor. 12:12–27).

Can be developed and increased through faith, obedience, and service (2 Tim. 1:6).

🕊️ Final Thought

Spiritual gifts are grace-given abilities that flow from a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit. They're not earned, and they are not the same as natural talents (though God may use both together). Their purpose is to glorify God, build the Church, and advance the mission of Christ in the world.

The Work of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s Life today.

a.       We are baptized (i.e., immersed) into the body by the Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:13.

b.      The Spirit dwells in us. 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Gal. 4:6-7; Eph. 2:22; 3:16.

c.       Christians receive the Spirit by the hearing of faith. The Spirit dwells in Christians through faith. Gal. 3:2-9; Eph. 3:16- 17:

d.      We are sealed by the Holy Spirit. We grieve the Holy Spirit when we sin (Eph. 4:30). 2 Cor. 1:21-22; Eph. 1:13-14. A “seal” is a mark of identification and ownership denoting security by the owner upon that which is sealed.

e.       The Holy Spirit is given to Christians as a guarantee (a deposit, earnest) of their inheritance. 2 Cor. 1:21-22; Eph. 1:13-14. A "guarantee" (deposit, earnest) is a pledge, a guarantee.

f.        We walk according to the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. Rom. 8:1-17.

g.       The Spirit leads through the word (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Rom. 10:17; Rom. 1:16; Heb. 3:7). The result of being led by the Spirit is bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-26; Eph. 5:9).

h.      The Holy Spirit transforms Christians by the renewing of their minds (Rom. 12:1-2) in knowledge (Col. 3:10). 2 Cor. 3:18.

i.        The Holy Spirit strengthens our inner man when we know the love of Christ. Eph. 3:14-19:

j.        The Holy Spirit helps in our weaknesses; when we are unable to pray, the Spirit intercedes. Rom. 8:26-28:

k.       The law of the Spirit of life frees us from the law of sin and death. Rom. 8:1-13. The law of the Spirit is synonymous with the law of faith (Rom. 8:2; 3:27). The law of faith is revealed in the word (Rom. 1:16; 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

l.        We have access to God through Christ by the Holy Spirit. Eph. 2:18.

m.    The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are sons of God. Rom. 8:16-17. (i). The Spirit bears witness through the word (Heb. 10:15- 17) and our spirit bears witness to our life. When both witnesses are compared, we are revealed to be children of God or children of the devil (cf. 1 Jn. 3:10). (ii). First John was written that we may know that we have eternal life (1 Jn. 5:13). We compare our lives to God’s word thus having the witness in ourselves (1 Jn. 5:10). (iii). If we believe (1 Jn. 5:10), we keep God’s commandments (1 Jn. 5:3). Thus, the witness within ourselves is that we have eternal life (1 Jn. 513).

How did God use dreams and visions in the Bible?

God used dreams and visions (visions are “waking dreams”; see Numbers 24:4) several times in the Bible to communicate with people. Visions seem to have been common enough that their lack was sorely noted. An absence of visions was due at times to a dearth of prophets (1 Samuel 3:1) and other times due to the disobedience of God’s people (1 Samuel 28:6).

Old Testament Dreams and Visions

God used visions in the Old Testament to reveal His plan, to further His plan, and to put His people in places of influence.

Abraham (Genesis 15:1): God used a vision to restate the Abrahamic Covenant, reminding Abram that he would have a son and be the father of many nations.

Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-7): Abraham’s wife, Sarah, was beautiful—so beautiful that when Abraham came into a new area he occasionally feared that the local ruler would kill him and take Sarah for himself. Abraham told Abimelech king of Gerar that Sarah was his sister (she was his half-sister). Abimelech took Sarah into his harem, but God sent him a dream telling him not to touch Sarah because she was Abraham’s wife. The king returned Sarah to her husband the next morning; the dream had protected Sarah and safeguarded God’s plan for Sarah to be the mother of His chosen people.

Jacob (Genesis 28:10-17): Jacob, with his mother’s help, stole Esau’s firstborn inheritance. Jacob then fled Esau’s anger, and on his journey he had his famous dream of a ladder reaching to heaven on which angels ascended and descended. In this dream Jacob received God’s promise that Abraham’s blessing would be carried on through him.

Joseph (Genesis 37:1-11): Joseph is one of the most famous dreamers, and one of the most famous dream-interpreters, in the Bible. His first recorded dreams are found in Genesis 37. They showed through easily deciphered symbols that Joseph’s family would one day bow to him in respect. His brothers didn’t appreciate the dream and in their hatred sold Joseph into slavery. Eventually, Joseph ended up in prison in Egypt.

Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40): While in prison Joseph interpreted some dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. With God’s guidance, he explained that the cupbearer would return to Pharaoh’s service, but the baker would be killed.

Pharaoh (Genesis 41): Two years later, Pharaoh himself had a dream which Joseph interpreted. God’s purpose was to raise Joseph to second-in-command over Egypt and to save the Egyptians and the Israelites from a horrible famine.

Samuel (1 Samuel 3): Samuel had his first vision as a young boy. God told him that judgment was coming upon the sons of Samuel’s mentor, Eli. The young Samuel was faithful to relay the information, and God continued to speak to Samuel through the rest of his life.

The Midianite and Amalekite armies (Judges 7:12-15): The pagan enemies of Israel had a divinely inspired dream. God told Gideon to sneak into the enemy camp at night, and there in the outposts of the camp, Gideon overheard an enemy soldier relate a dream he had just had. The interpretation, from another enemy soldier, mentioned Gideon by name and predicted that Israel would win the battle. Gideon was greatly encouraged by this revelation.

Solomon (1 Kings 3:5): It was in a dream that God gave Solomon the famous offer: "Ask what you wish Me to give you." Solomon chose wisdom.

Daniel (Daniel 2; 4): As He had done for Joseph, God placed Daniel in a position of power and influence by allowing him to interpret a foreign ruler’s dream. This is consistent with God’s propensity to use miracles to identify His messengers. Daniel himself had many dreams and visions, mostly related to future kingdoms of the world and the nation of Israel.

New Testament Dreams and Visions

Visions in the New Testament also served to provide information that was unavailable elsewhere. Specifically, God used visions and dreams to identify Jesus and to establish His church.

Zacharias (Luke 1:5-23): God used a vision to tell Zacharias, an old priest, that he would soon have an important son. Not long after, Zacharias and his wife, Elizabeth, had John the Baptist.

Joseph (Matthew 1:20; 2:13): Joseph would have divorced Mary when he found out she was pregnant, but God sent an angel to him in a dream, convincing him that the pregnancy was of God. Joseph went ahead with the marriage. After Jesus was born, God sent two more dreams, one to tell Joseph to take his family to Egypt so Herod could not kill Jesus and another to tell him Herod was dead and that he could return home.

Pilate’s wife (Matthew 27:19): During Jesus’ trial, Pilate’s wife sent an urgent message to the governor encouraging him to free Jesus. Her message was prompted by a dream she had—a nightmare, really—that convinced her that Jesus was innocent and that Pilate should have nothing to do with His case.

Ananias (Acts 9:10): It would have taken nothing less than a vision from God to convince Ananias, a Christian in Damascus, to visit Paul, the persecutor of Christians. But because Ananias was obedient to God’s leading, Paul regained his sight and found the truth about those he was trying to kill.

Cornelius (Acts 10:1-6): God spoke to an Italian centurion named Cornelius who feared the God of the Jews. In his vision, Cornelius saw an angel who told him where to find Simon Peter and to send for him and listen to his message. Cornelius obeyed the vision, Peter came and preached, and Cornelius and his household full of Gentiles were saved by the grace of God.

Peter (Acts 10:9-15): While Peter was praying on the rooftop of a house in Joppa, God gave him a vision of animals lowered in something like a sheet. A voice from heaven told Peter to kill the animals (some of which were unclean) and eat them. The vision served to show that Christians are not bound by kosher law and that God had pronounced Gentiles “clean”; that is, heaven is open to all who follow Jesus.

Paul: Paul had several visions in his missionary career. One sent him to preach in Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10). Another encouraged him to keep preaching in Corinth (Acts 18:9-11). God also gave him a vision of heaven (2 Corinthians 12:1-6).

John (Revelation): Nearly the entire book of Revelation is a vision John had while exiled on the island of Patmos. John’s vision explains in more detail some of the events that God had shown Daniel.

Today’s Dreams and Visions

With the completion of the Bible, God does not have to use dreams and visions as much as He did before. That is not to say that He cannot or does not.

God can communicate with us however He chooses. But when we have a spiritual decision to make, our place of attention must always be the Bible, not a dream, not a vision anymore. Read Hebrews chapter One, verses one and two. (1Cor.13; Ephesians 4)

CONCLUSION

While the Bible does not provide a systematic theology of visions, it presents them as a legitimate and significant means of divine communication. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, visions play a crucial role in revealing God's will, guiding His people, and unfolding His redemptive plan for humanity.

ADDITIONS

YOU DON’T HAVE FIVE SENSES, YOU HAVE FIFTEEN SENSES.

YOUR BODY.

SIGHT. To see

SOUND. To hear

SMELL. The Nose to smell

TASTE. The Tongue to taste

TOUCH. To feel

YOUR SOUL.

MIND. What you think.

WILL. Your drive to act.

EMOTIONS. What you feel.

AFFECTION. Who you feel it for?

IMAGINATION. Your ability to see what is not visible yet.

YOUR SPIRIT.

PRAYER. Speaking truth to the Divine.

PRAISE. Declaring truth to your reality.

WORSHIP. Aligning with the highest version of yourself.

FAITH. Belief beyond physical evidence.

MEDITATION. Pure focus

APPRECIATION.

I really appreciate you for listening.

Thank You.

Dr. Benson Omole. +234-806-006-6660; +234-707-002-0042. (omolebenson@gmail.com)