In Acts 26, Paul was sharing with King Agrippa his conversion experience. While he was sharing that experience he had with Jesus on the road to Damascus, he mentions the bright light and the voice of Jesus speaking to him. This had an incredible impact on Paul as Jesus spoke to him in such a dramatic way. As he continues his testimony to Agrippa, Paul declares that his belief in Jesus as the Messiah was not based on merely his conversion experience. On the supernatural experience that he had on the road to Damascus. His faith was based on the Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah. Why is this so important?
Paul's supernatural experience with God was tested in light of the written Word of God. Emotional and supernatural experience's with God can be awesome and edifying, but must always be tested in light of scripture. The Word of God is our foundation and is what our faith is built on.
Peter wrote as he recalled the experience he had with Jesus being transfigured in the gospels.
(2 Peter 1:16-19)For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts
Peter even declares after witnessing Jesus being transfigured, that he had the more sure Word of prophecy to hold to. We can't just base our experience with God on emotions but we must have the foundation of God’s Word. Emotions are okay but always test them according to the Word.
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