Are visions of Jesus real?
"Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world." —1 John 4:1 (NLT)
Some believers are convinced of having seen Jesus in special visions, dreams, or revelations. This may have occurred in an emotional moment when they were praying for God to give them a sign. They may say that Jesus told them to give another believer a message. They may feel that God has given them a new, special truth that wasn't included in the Bible.
How should we view these kinds of claims? Did they actually see Jesus? Are they trying to manipulate? Or are they simply a sufferer of mental illness? Would Jesus appear to us today with new messages?
Jesus Ascended to Heaven
The Bible is clear that Jesus is not physically on earth today. At the end of His earthly ministry, the events of His death, burial, and resurrection were witnessed by hundreds of people. Jesus told His disciples that He would soon leave the earth. Jesus knew He would return to the Father.
"I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one." —John 17:11
Jesus was taken up into Heaven (Acts 1:9-11) and has been seated at the right hand of the Father ever since. He will not be seen on earth again until His Second Coming (Revelation 1:7), and the Bible tells us nothing about Jesus returning to earth physically before the appointed time.
Jesus Left the Holy Spirit with Us
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future." —John 16:13 (NLT)
Jesus didn't leave us alone when He left the earth. He gave us the Holy Spirit to indwell believers and help them (John 16:7-15; Ephesians 4:30). The Holy Spirit knows us thoroughly and knows the depths of God (1 Corinthians 2:10). He is the Comforter and Counselor whom Jesus promised He would be (John 14:16, 26, 15:26).
Visions of Jesus in the Bible
In the New Testament, we find accounts of multiple people who had the honor of seeing true visions of Jesus. The apostles John, Paul, and Stephen all had divine visions of Jesus after His Ascension. We know that their visions of Jesus were true because they are recorded in the Bible.
Stephen saw Jesus standing beside the Father before he was stoned to death (Acts 7:55-56). The Apostle John records his vision of Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16. On the road to Damascus, Paul saw "a light from heaven," and the light convicted him of unjust persecution. When Paul questioned this light, the reply was, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." This vision literally blinded Paul for three days and was the reason He accepted Christ (Acts 9:1-19).
Can Christians receive divine revelation today?
One who claims to have seen Jesus usually claims they've received "divine revelation" from the Lord. This isn't the same claim as simply receiving guidance from God. A "divine revelation" is the reception of a universal truth. But nothing in the Bible that says anyone will receive new revelations now that the apostolic age is over.
Any "addition" to the canon of Scripture is to be disregarded (Revelation 22:18). The Bible is complete, inerrant, and closed to new revelation (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Practice healthy skepticism and spiritual discernment if you encounter someone who says they've had a vision of Jesus.
1 John 4:1 warns that we need to carefully examine these kinds of claims—especially if the "message" goes against what Scripture has already stated to be true. If the vision encourages or validates sin, then their "Jesus" is not Jesus at all. Guidance from the Holy Spirit or messages from God will never contradict the Bible.
Seeing Jesus: God's Choice
Reports have come forth among former Muslims claiming they saw Jesus in their dreams. By speaking to Jesus in their dreams, they were convinced to reject Islam and accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord. These types of claims are happening in areas of the world where access to the Bible and the gospel message are extremely difficult.
Could it be that God is, in fact, working in these restricted areas to reach those who may never have heard about Jesus otherwise? It is certainly possible as nothing is too hard for the Lord (Isaiah 59:1).
Still, this is not only an extremely unique situation, but it is also not an "addition" to anything that Scripture has already stated. So these claims are not considered any different than God reaching out to anyone else with His established truth.
The Bible is the Final Word
The truth of the Bible should always come first. Any visions or dreams from Jesus will stand behind the inerrant Word of God, and any personal experiences ought to only confirm the Bible—not add additional ideas.
When the apostle Peter spoke of his personal encounter with Jesus’ glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, he did not emphasize his personal experience. Rather, he made sure to give great emphasis to how his encounter confirmed the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:16-18).
We are among the blessed who have not seen Jesus and yet still believe. We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). God requires us to have faith in His gift of grace alone.
"Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'" —John 20:29
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TL;DR
Nothing in the Bible tells us Jesus will visit people today in visions or dreams, so we must be skeptical and discerning when someone claims to have seen Him. 1 John 4:1 warns that we need to carefully examine these kinds of claims—especially if the "message" goes against what Scripture has already stated to be true. If the vision encourages or validates sin, then their "Jesus" is not Jesus at all. Guidance from the Holy Spirit or messages from God will never contradict the Bible.
Writer: Vivian Bricker
Vivian loves learning, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She is dedicated to helping people learn more about Jesus and is ready to help in any way she can. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, cooking, drawing, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, you can find her soaking up the sunshine or going on an adventure.
