Ask Ligonier How Should We Respond to People Who Claim That They Have Received Direct Special Revelation?
Nov 13, 2025
Rev. Joel Kim, President of Westminster Seminary California, dives into the intriguing topic of special revelation. He discusses how many Christians believe in ongoing personal revelations and argues that such miraculous confirmations have ceased, placing Scripture as the primary medium for God's voice. Joel emphasizes the need to test claims of personal revelation against the Bible, ensuring they align with God’s revealed will. He advocates for prioritizing Scripture and prayerful reflection over new claims, providing a thoughtful guide for navigating this complex issue.
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Ongoing Revelation Is Widely Believed
- Joel Kim asserts that many Christians believe in ongoing personal revelation today.
- He locates this belief even within Presbyterian circles and his own background in South Korea.
Revelation Is Now Inscripturated
- Joel Kim argues that miraculous confirmations of special revelation have ceased and revelation is now inscripturated.
- He emphasizes that God now speaks through the Bible and the Spirit illuminating Scripture, not direct new revelation.
Experience Trumps Argument For Many
- Joel Kim acknowledges experiential conviction often outweighs arguments in persuading people.
- He allows that personal illumination can occur but it must accord with, not contradict, Scripture.