When Jesus called Ananias to go to Saul, He informed him how that Saul “hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight” (Acts 9:12).
In history, God has used visions as a means of communicating to prophets: “Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream” (Numbers 12:6; cf. Isaiah 1:1; Ezekiel 1:1; Daniel 1:17; et al.). He has used visions to encourage (Genesis 15:1). He has used visions as a means of rebuking (Isaiah 29:11; cf. also, Daniel 4). Visions were frequently used by God in revealing significant future events, whether good or bad. At the Coldwater church of Christ, we are currently studying the work of the prophet Zechariah, who was shown numerous visions, some concerning the things of Zechariah’s time, and some concerning events that were planned for centuries after his day—many concerning Jesus. Incidentally, we do not find where visions take away sins.
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:1–2). Truly, in the days of the apostles, God would still use visions on occasion (cf. Acts 9:12; Acts 10:9–18). However, with God’s revelation to man completed, the covenant of Christ delivered, and no longer a need for the miraculous age, visions to man have ceased to be used by God (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:8–10; cf. again, Hebrews 1:1).
Some claim they are still receiving visions from God, today. I am not convinced they are; however, even if they are, such would not be evidence of salvation. According to our text, Saul saw a vision; yet, he had this vision while he was still in his sins. If a vision could save him, Ananias would not need to come to him, and he certainly would not need to be baptized as Ananias commanded him: “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
Furthermore, the Gentile Cornelius saw a vision while he was yet in his sins. It was not until he was baptized as Peter commanded that he was saved: “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days” (Acts 10:47–48; cf. Acts 10:1–6).
Saul had a vision. His vision was significant; however, it did not save him from his sins.
