The Purposes of Visions
While pondering on sections 76 and 77 in the Doctrine and Covenants, a question came to mind; Why does God give us visions? Today I would like to explore some possibilities.
When we think about some of the greatest visions recorded in the Bible, especially John’s Revelation, many of them seem cryptic and mysterious. Some notable ones are; Jacob’s Ladder (Genesis 28:10–22), Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1–22), Isaiah’s Call (Isaiah 6:1–13), Ezekiel’s Vision of the Throne-Chariot (Ezekiel 1:1–28), Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts (Daniel 7:1–28), John’s Vision of the Throne Room (Revelation 4:1–11), and John’s Vision of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1–22:5). Each of these were significant for the people at the time or relevant for future generations. However, each of these with the exception of John’s revelation were specifically to bolster hope in Israel of the power of God to honor the Abrahamic Covenant, or to remind them of it.
The great visions in the Book of Mormon include; Lehi’s Vision of the Tree of Life (1 Nephi 8), Nephi’s Vision of the Tree of Life and the Future of His People (1 Nephi 11–14), The Brother of Jared’s Vision of the Lord and All Things (Ether 3), Nephi’s Vision of the End Times and the Great Apostasy (1 Nephi 12–14), Enos’s Vision and Communion with God (Enos 1). These visions are more directly associated with outcomes for the peoples of the Book of Mormon specifically, and all humanity indirectly. Nephi’s vision of the end-times included John’s revelation, however, Nephi was not allowed to record it. Another important difference in the Book of Mormon visions is their temple related themes. This is significant for Latter-day Saints.
The visions of the Restoration in our time are most relevant and significant for us. These include, The First Vision (1820, Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20), The Vision of the Angel Moroni (1823–1827, Joseph Smith—History 1:27–54), The Vision of the Priesthood Restoration (1829, Doctrine and Covenants 13, 128:20–21), The Vision of the Three Degrees of Glory (1832, Doctrine and Covenants 76), The Kirtland Temple Vision (1836, Doctrine and Covenants 110), The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead (1918, Doctrine and Covenants 138, Joseph F. Smith), The Vision of the Salt Lake Temple (1847–1853, Wilford Woodruff and Others).
Here is a conclusion generated by AI that you may find interesting.
Synthesis of Purposes and Themes
• Purposes:
• Biblical: To reveal God’s majesty, commission prophets, and provide hope through apocalyptic promises of redemption.
• Book of Mormon: To testify of Christ, guide individuals and nations, and prepare for the latter-day restoration of truth.
• Restoration: To initiate and sustain the Restoration, restoring priesthood, ordinances, and doctrines for the final dispensation.
• General Themes:
• All emphasize God’s active role in history, Christ’s centrality, and the triumph of God’s kingdom.
• Biblical visions focus on covenant and eschatology, Book of Mormon visions on Christ and restoration, and Restoration visions on practical church-building and universal salvation.
Why does God give us visions? God gave visions to prophets to reveal His will, commission leaders, guide His people, offer hope, restore truth, and prepare for future events. These visions serve as divine interventions to align humanity with God’s plan, particularly through Jesus Christ’s atonement and kingdom. Whether through symbolic imagery (Bible), personal revelation (Book of Mormon), or direct institutional guidance (Restoration), visions empower prophets to fulfill their roles as God’s messengers, ensuring His purposes are accomplished across dispensations.
The effects these visions have had on humanity is enormous. Judeo-Christian ethics provides the framework for Western cultures, resulting in the prosperity and stability of nations. On an individual level, they give us hope and help us prepare for the future. Most importantly, they develop a covenantal relationship between us and God and a personal relationship to Jesus Christ.