Does God use visions to talk to people today? Are visions a common part of a Christian's experience?

TL;DR:

Even in biblical times, visions were rare. While God may still speak through visions today, they are not normative, and they would never contradict or supersede God’s written Word.

God can grant visions to people today and possibly does so around the world; however, we also see in the Bible that visions from God were rare. We should probably, then, expect God to grant visions on rare occasions today. As a point of clarity, a vision is when someone is awake, as opposed to a dream given by God when they are asleep. In the Bible we read accounts where people such as Joseph (Jacob’s son), Joseph (the fiancée of Mary), Solomon, Isaiah, Daniel, Peter, and others received visions. These few accounts cover thousands of years and even within the lifetime of those who received visions, accounted for a very small percentage of their time on Earth and their relationship with God. God likely uses visions in places where the gospel is restricted. However, any claimed vision must be tested against Scripture, as God’s Word is the final authority on truth. Those who receive or hear of visions should seek God’s guidance through prayer and Scripture, trusting that He provides understanding when needed.

from the old testament

God spoke to Joseph (son of Jacob) through dreams, revealing his future rise to power and his family’s eventual dependence on him (Genesis 37:5-11).
God appeared to Solomon in a dream, granting him wisdom and promising blessings if he remained faithful (1 Kings 3:5-14).
Isaiah saw a vision of God’s throne, receiving his prophetic calling and a message of judgment and redemption (Isaiah 6:1-8).
God gave Daniel prophetic visions about future kingdoms, the coming Messiah, and the end times (Daniel 7–12).
Joel, the prophet, said there would be more visions later in history (Joel 2:28). This was confirmed by Peter in Acts 2.

from the new testament

God sent an angel in dreams to reassure Joseph about Mary’s pregnancy, instruct him to flee to Egypt, and later return safely (Matthew 1:20-21; 2:13, 19-20).
God gave Peter a vision of unclean animals, teaching him that salvation was for both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 10:9-16).

implications for today

We hear increasing reports of God using visions and dreams around the world, especially in places where the gospel is unknown and where telling people about Jesus is restricted. This is consistent with the biblical accounts of God's activities in this way: He speaks most often, it seems, when His people cannot. God can use any method of communication He finds effective. He has no limits.

Of course, those who claim visions from God should be cautious: The Word of God is finished and includes all that we need to know about God and having a relationship with Him at this time. When someone claims a vision or dream from God, the content of that dream or vision must be completely consistent with what the Bible tells us about God. The Word of God is the final and most important authority on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

If you have a vision or dream, or are told that someone else has, carefully examine it against the Bible. Pray about it. Ask God to show you the truth through the Scriptures. God does not give visions without purpose, and He provides understanding to those who seek Him, as seen in Daniel’s experience (Daniel 8:15-17). Ultimately, God's Word remains the final and unchanging authority, guiding us in all truth.

understand

Visions from God were rare in the Bible and are still likely rare today.
God may use visions in places where the gospel is restricted, but they must align with Scripture.
Any vision or dream must be tested against the Bible, as God's Word is the ultimate authority on truth.

reflect

How do you respond to the idea that God may still grant visions today, even if rare?
How do you ensure that your experiences align with Scripture?
When you face uncertainty or seek God’s guidance, how do you seek direction through prayer and the Bible?

engage

How do we discern whether a vision or dream truly comes from God, especially when it doesn't directly contradict Scripture?
Why do you think God might use visions in regions where the gospel is restricted, and how can we support believers to think biblically and respond to God in those areas?
Why do you think the Bible emphasizes the rarity of visions, and what does that teach us about how God chooses to communicate with His people?