As a Christian, is it possible to believe that dreams have a future meaning? Are there supporting verses in the Bible?
This question has come up often and we have seen that God did speak of the future in dreams to men in several Old Testament accounts. I would encourage you to read about the dream God gave to Joseph in Genesis 37:5-8 which was a “prophetic dream” revealing to Joseph that he would one day rule over his brothers. King Nebuchadnezzar was also given a “prophetic dream” in Daniel chapters 2 & 4. The prophet Daniel was also given a “prophetic dream” in Daniel chapter 7 which revealed that there would be four world empires that would rule over Israel. God also gave dreams to WARN unbelievers of certain things. We read in Genesis 20:3, “But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, ‘Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” There is also a “dream of warning” that was given to Pontius Pilate’s wife and thus we read, “While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, ‘Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things in a dream because of Him” (Matthew 27:19). This is the only New Testament example I know of.
So, it was not extraordinary for God to speak to people (even unsaved people) in dreams but once Christ died, rose again, and ascended to heaven we have no examples of God speaking to men in dreams. During the present Church Age (beginning with the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 where the church was formed to the Rapture of the church which is predicted in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) we don’t read of anyone having such dreams (though we do read of Cornelius and Peter being given a VISION in Acts chapter 10). Yet there is mention of God giving dreams once again at a future time in Acts 2:17 where the Apostle Peter said, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS.” When Peter refers to “the last days” he is referring to a time AFTER THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH when God will resume His dealings with Israel. Peter was speaking those words to JEWS and reminding them of this prophecy spoken by the prophet Joel in Joel 2:28-32.
Considering what has been said, I don’t believe our dreams today have any “prophetic significance.” I’m not saying dogmatically that our dreams have no meaning, for the Lord “could” use them to impress something upon our hearts. One man wrote to us telling us he had a dream of his late father standing by a door and he greeted his son by saying, “I’m fine and I miss you.” I too dream of my late parents at times. Is there any meaning in these dreams? It may be that we are being reminded of how much our departed loved ones meant to us and how much we miss them. But unless we have our dreams interpreted for us by God or an angel from God (like others did in Old Testament times…see Daniel 2:17-19 and 7:15-16), we should not expect our dreams to have a “future meaning.” Nor should we look upon them as a “warning” unless we are absolutely persuaded in the dream that God is warning us (like Pilate’s wife experienced). Again, I am persuaded it is not God’s intention during this present “Church Age” to communicate to us through dreams. He has spoken to us through His blessed Word which is all we need to live a good life in fellowship with our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to be a channel of blessing to others as we glorify God in every aspect of our life. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). (DO) (630.1)