Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, "vision" often refers to a supernatural revelation given by God to individuals, typically prophets, to convey His divine will and purpose. These visions are a means by which God communicates with His people, providing guidance, warning, or insight into future events. The Bible contains numerous accounts of visions, each serving a unique role in the unfolding of God's plan.
One of the most notable examples of vision in the Old Testament is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel receives several visions that reveal future events concerning the rise and fall of empires and the coming of God's eternal kingdom. In
Daniel 7:13-14 , Daniel describes a vision of "One like a Son of Man" coming with the clouds of heaven, a prophecy that Christians interpret as a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
In the New Testament, visions continue to play a significant role. The Apostle Peter, for instance, receives a vision in
Acts 10:9-16 that leads to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian Church, signifying the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Similarly, the Apostle John receives the apocalyptic visions recorded in the Book of Revelation, which unveil the ultimate triumph of Christ and the establishment of a new heaven and earth.
Visions in the Bible are often accompanied by symbols and imagery that require interpretation. They serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His active involvement in human history. Through visions, God reveals His plans and purposes, calling His people to faithfulness and obedience.
LawThe concept of "law" in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing divine commandments, moral principles, and legal codes given by God to His people. The law serves as a foundation for understanding God's holiness, justice, and expectations for human conduct.
The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, is central to the Old Testament. It includes the Ten Commandments (
Exodus 20:1-17) and a comprehensive set of civil, ceremonial, and moral laws. These laws were designed to set Israel apart as God's chosen people and to guide them in righteous living. The law also served to reveal human sinfulness and the need for atonement, pointing ultimately to the coming of Christ.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ fulfills the law, as He states in
Matthew 5:17 , "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus embodies the perfect obedience to the law and provides a means of salvation for all who believe in Him.
The Apostle Paul further expounds on the role of the law in his epistles. In
Romans 7:7 , he explains that the law is not sinful but serves to make individuals aware of their sin. Paul emphasizes that righteousness cannot be achieved through the law alone but through faith in Jesus Christ (
Romans 3:20-22).
For Christians, the law is not abolished but transformed through Christ. Believers are called to live by the Spirit, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law through love and obedience to God's commands (
Romans 8:4). The law remains a vital aspect of Christian ethics, guiding believers in their relationship with God and others.