Does God reveal His will through dreams?

The concept of dreams as a vehicle for divine revelation has intrigued humanity for centuries. Many people, particularly in biblical times, believed that dreams were a means by which God communicated His will to His people. In the Bible, we see numerous instances where dreams played a significant role in conveying God’s purposes and directing the actions of individuals. The question arises, Does God still reveal His will through dreams today?

This article will explore the biblical understanding of dreams, specifically focusing on whether God reveals His will through dreams. We will examine biblical examples, the nature of dreams in Scripture, the role of discernment, and the theological implications of God’s communication through dreams. We will also discuss whether dreams are still a means by which God speaks to His people today and how one can discern if a dream is from God.

The Role of Dreams in the Bible

Dreams as a Means of Divine Communication

In the Bible, dreams are not random or meaningless occurrences but are often direct communications from God. Dreams can serve as a medium through which God reveals His will, instructions, or warnings to His people. Many prominent figures in the Old and New Testament experienced dreams that were instrumental in the unfolding of God’s plan.

• Genesis 20:3 (NKJV) – “But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, ‘Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.’”

In this example, God warns Abimelech, the king of Gerar, in a dream. Abimelech had unknowingly taken Sarah, Abraham’s wife, into his harem, and God used a dream to warn him of his sin.

• Matthew 1:20 (NKJV) – “But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.’”

In the New Testament, God speaks to Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, through a dream, reassuring him not to fear taking Mary as his wife, as she was carrying the Son of God. This instance further emphasizes the biblical precedent for God communicating His will through dreams.

Prophetic Dreams

Some dreams in the Bible have prophetic significance, foretelling future events or revealing truths about God’s will. The most well-known example of a prophetic dream is the one experienced by Pharaoh in the time of Joseph.

• Genesis 41:15-16 (NKJV) – “Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it; but I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.’ So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.'”

Pharaoh’s dream, which Joseph interpreted, was a divine revelation about seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine in Egypt. Joseph’s interpretation was a prophetic message that saved the lives of many people.

Warning Dreams

Dreams can also serve as a warning, urging people to take action in order to avoid impending danger. For example, God warned Pilate’s wife in a dream regarding the injustice of condemning Jesus.

• Matthew 27:19 (NKJV) – “While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, ‘Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.'”

In this case, Pilate’s wife experienced a troubling dream that warned her husband about condemning Jesus. Although Pilate did not heed the warning, it demonstrates that God can use dreams to issue warnings or alert individuals to significant events.

The Nature of Dreams in Scripture

Distinction Between Ordinary and Divine Dreams

The Bible distinguishes between ordinary dreams that may stem from a person’s subconscious and divine dreams that are directly inspired by God. In many instances, God communicates His will through dreams that stand out in their clarity and purpose.

• Ecclesiastes 5:3 (NKJV) – “For a dream comes through much activity, and a fool’s voice is known by his many words.”
• Job 33:14-16 (NKJV) – “For God may speak in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while slumbering on their beds, then He opens the ears of men and seals their instruction.”

These verses reveal that not all dreams are from God. Many dreams are the result of mundane activities or personal anxieties. However, God’s dreams stand apart, as they come with a clear purpose to instruct, guide, or reveal the future. Job 33 explains that God can speak in dreams, sealing instructions and imparting knowledge in the quiet of sleep.

Dreams as a Source of Revelation

One important characteristic of divine dreams in the Bible is their ability to reveal the will of God to individuals. This is evident in the case of Daniel, who interpreted dreams for Babylonian kings as a prophetic revelation of God’s plan.

• Daniel 2:19 (NKJV) – “Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”
• Daniel 7:1 (NKJV) – “In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.”

In both of these passages, God uses visions and dreams to reveal His plans for the future, especially in the context of the kingdoms of the world and the coming of God’s eternal kingdom. These revelations were not just for the benefit of the dreamer but were given for the world at large.

The Role of Interpretation

Dreams in the Bible often require interpretation. Sometimes, God directly provides the interpretation to the dreamer, as with Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream. At other times, God uses prophets or those with the gift of interpretation, such as Daniel, to unveil the meaning behind the dreams.

• Genesis 41:15-16 (NKJV) – “Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it; but I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.’ So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.'”
• Daniel 2:27-28 (NKJV) – “Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, ‘The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king; but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.'”

These passages show that God not only gives the dreams but also provides the understanding needed to interpret them. This indicates that the interpretation of dreams is a spiritual gift and should be sought through prayer and discernment.

Discernment and Testing of Dreams

The Need for Discernment

Not all dreams are from God. Many dreams can be the result of natural thoughts, emotions, or external influences. As such, it is essential for Christians to exercise discernment when evaluating dreams to determine if they are divine messages or merely a product of the mind.

• 1 John 4:1 (NKJV) – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

This verse instructs believers to test the spirits and ensure that any messages or dreams they receive are truly from God. The same principle applies to dreams. God’s will revealed through dreams will always align with His Word and His character.

The Role of Scripture

One way to discern whether a dream is from God is by comparing the content of the dream with Scripture. God will never give a dream that contradicts the truth of the Bible. Dreams that lead to disobedience or confusion should be carefully examined, as they may not be of divine origin.

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Dreams that are in line with Scripture are more likely to be from God. Conversely, dreams that promote disobedience, confusion, or sin are not from God and should be disregarded.

Seeking God’s Will

When seeking to understand a dream or determine whether it is from God, it is essential to seek God’s will through prayer. The Holy Spirit can provide wisdom and insight into the meaning of dreams and whether they are divinely inspired.

• James 1:5 (NKJV) – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Are Dreams Still a Means of Divine Revelation Today?

Dreams in the New Testament

While the Old Testament contains numerous examples of God revealing His will through dreams, the New Testament also includes instances where dreams played an important role. The apostle Paul had a vision in which God guided him to Macedonia (Acts 16:9), and Peter experienced a vision that clarified God’s will regarding the inclusion of the Gentiles (Acts 10).

In the New Testament, dreams and visions appear to be less frequent but still present. God uses them to guide His servants in critical moments of history and to communicate His divine purposes. However, the emphasis in the New Testament is on Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as primary means of communication.

Dreams in Contemporary Christianity

In the modern world, many Christians continue to believe that God can communicate through dreams. Some missionaries in remote areas or those in closed countries report experiencing dreams that lead them to a deeper understanding of God’s will or even to the salvation of individuals. These experiences can serve as powerful testimonies of God’s ongoing revelation.

However, Christians are encouraged to test all things and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). If a dream contradicts Scripture or leads one away from Christ, it should be disregarded.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible provides numerous examples of God revealing His will through dreams, both in the Old and New Testaments. Dreams can serve as a legitimate means of divine communication, but they must always be discerned and tested against the truth of Scripture. God’s primary means of revealing His will today is through His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. While dreams can still play a role in revealing God’s will, Christians are encouraged to exercise caution and discernment in determining whether a dream is truly from God.