Prophetic Visions of the Bible

[edit] What is a prophetic vision?

Prophetic visions are visions of prophets. A prophet is a person claiming to be foretelling the future and in the case of the Christian prophetic visions, a prophet is a person claiming to be doing so on behalf of God. A vision is not the same thing as a dream, but rather something that appears vividly to a prophet by means of a divine act. Prophetic visions are usually associated with things that are to happen and not with the past or historical events, though some prophetic visions have been proven or are believed to have already come to pass.

[edit] Prophets of the Bible

Three prophets that had significant visions were Isaiah, Zechariah and John. Isaiah's visions dealt with many things including detailed information about the Messiah, who Christians believe to be Jesus Christ. Zechariah's vision was about his future son John the Baptist. John's vision dealt with the book of Revelations and critics and Christians alike have picked it apart many times. Christian prophetic visions are items of great debate and have been for some time.

[edit] The Prophet Isaiah

Isaiah was the author and main figure of the Old Testament book Isaiah. He was considered a prophet by many in his time and he married having many sons. The prophetic visions he had that were significant regarded the Messiah.

• Isaiah 7:14 - Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. From Old Testament book Isaiah from the King James Bible. Jesus was born of Mary who was a virgin. They were told he would be a boy and to name him Immanuel which means God with us.

• Isaiah 9:6-7 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. From Old Testament book Isaiah from the King James Bible

The government in Christ's day was a burden to Jews and Himself alike. People who followed Christ called him many different names and He was considered God, who will and is ruling forever. Christians believe Jesus is from the line of David.

It is clear that for Christians Jesus Christ has fulfilled the prophecy here of Isaiah, though it is disputed by others and the topic of heated debate. But, for believers it is considered one of many prophetic visions that has been fulfilled.

[edit] Zechariah's Prophetic Vision

Zechariah of the New Testament, found in Luke, was not considered a prophet, but he is believed to have had the prophetic vision. Zechariah was part of a priestly family and married to Elizabeth who was barren. One day while doing his priestly duties, Zechariah was chosen to go into the temple to burn incense as an offering to God. While inside he saw an angel who told him he would have a son, but Zechariah did not believe it because his wife was barren. Because he did not believe, the angel made him mute until his son was born. The boy's name was John and he grew to be John the Baptist.

This is another example of a significant Christian prophecy that has already come to be. It is also an example of how these types of visions are unique and sometimes highly personalized for the individual instead of an entire group.

[edit] The Prophetic Vision of John

The John, who is believed to have authored the book of revelations, as well as having been the receptor of this specific and very detailed Christian prophetic vision, is not John the Baptist, but rather John the Apostle.

This vision is of apocalyptic nature and therefore is confusing to read and understand. However, the basic message of John's vision is that at some point in the future, God and Satan will have it out against each other, God will win and all those who followed and accepted His Son, Jesus Christ, will live with Him forever in heaven. This kind of vision is extremely detailed with wars and beasts thoroughly described throughout the book. This is one of the most important visions for Christians as it signifies a hope that Christ will return someday and all human suffering will end for those who were faithful to Christ.