For the past 1,400 years Christians have been trying to evangelize to Muslims with relatively little progress. Today, Muslims across the world are coming to Christ in vast numbers never seen before. In North Africa, the Middle East, Gulf countries, Europe and Canada, Muslims are turning to Christ for salvation. Evangelists have reported that countless Muslims have come to them professing dreams and visions of Jesus that have led them to acceptance of Christ. In these revelations, the story of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and divinity is reflected. This is significant in that these are not the teachings of Islam and thus the Muslims receiving these dreams and visions have never before heard the gospel. These individuals do face persecution after turning their life over to Christ but many continue to profess His name, walking in the faith, and leading others to Christ.
In Neil Anderson’s book the “Bondage Breaker,” he discusses techniques which are supported by Scripture with dream interpretation being one of these. This is seen in the stories of Joseph, David, and Saul. The most important factor to look at in these situations is whether the dreams are pointing the dreamer to the truth of God or the deception of satan. The dreams that these Muslims are describing convey Biblical truths and thus appear to be leading them to the love of Christ. This would lead us to conclude that these dreams are not the product of deception but are legitimate revelations from God.
In Acts 2:17 it states that "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” Special revelation tells us that this is what we are to expect. However, it Matthew24:24 it also states that “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible.” This is why it is so important for us to use discernment when we are approached with things of this nature. When we do see that God’s Word is being revealed and His truth is being professed we can place greater hope in knowing that it is a work of God that is at hand.
I think Anderson makes a very interesting point about dreams being able to convey Biblical truth. One of the greatest points that Anderson makes throughout his book is this idea of submitting your thoughts to the obedience of Christ. While it is humanly impossible to truly distinguish whether a thought is specifically from the flesh, subconscious, spiritual activity, etc, all thoughts should be taken into regards with the Scripture. And of course, like Anderson suggested, any thoughts that do not line up with the Word of God should be rejected. Why not dreams even more so? This whole post is cool, because it demonstrates how God is actively pursuing humanity to follow Him. So much so, that He will give individuals their own Damascus road experience via dreams.
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