Topical Encyclopedia
VisionIn the biblical context, "vision" often refers to divine revelations or insights given by God to individuals, typically through dreams, prophetic messages, or supernatural appearances. These visions serve as a means for God to communicate His will, guidance, and future plans to His people. The Bible is replete with instances where God imparts visions to His prophets and servants, providing direction and encouragement.
One of the most notable examples of vision in the Bible is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, received several visions concerning the future of Israel and the coming of God's kingdom. In
Daniel 7:13-14 , he describes a vision of the "Son of Man" coming with the clouds of heaven, a prophecy that Christians interpret as a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ: "In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him."
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of vision, particularly in the context of the early church. In
Acts 10, Peter receives a vision that challenges his understanding of Jewish dietary laws and opens the way for the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith. This vision marks a significant transition in the early church's mission and understanding of God's plan for salvation.
TransitionTransition in the Bible often involves a shift or change in circumstances, leadership, or spiritual understanding, guided by God's providence. These transitions are pivotal moments that shape the course of biblical history and the lives of God's people.
One of the most significant transitions in the Old Testament is the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. This transition, led by Moses, is marked by a series of divine interventions, including the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. In
Exodus 14:21-22 , the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea is described: "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left."
In the New Testament, the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant is a central theme. This transition is embodied in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Law and the Prophets.
Hebrews 9:15 highlights this transition: "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."
The transition from the earthly ministry of Jesus to the establishment of the church is another critical moment in biblical history. After His resurrection, Jesus commissions His disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations, as recorded in
Matthew 28:19-20 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Throughout Scripture, vision and transition are intertwined, as God uses visions to guide His people through periods of change, ensuring that His divine purposes are fulfilled.