Podcast Summary: Ask Ligonier

Episode Title: How Should We Respond to People Who Claim That They Have Received Direct Special Revelation?
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Guest: Rev. Joel Kim, President at Westminster Seminary California
Date: November 13, 2025

Main Theme

This episode explores a pressing theological and pastoral question: How should Christians respond to individuals who claim to have received direct, special revelation from God? Host Nathan W. Bingham presents this question to Rev. Joel Kim, who offers a biblically grounded and pastorally sensitive perspective.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Ongoing Claims of Special Revelation (00:30)

• Rev. Kim acknowledges that many sincere Christians—across various traditions, including his own Presbyterian background—believe that God continues to reveal Himself directly to individuals.
• He notes these beliefs are present even among Presbyterian groups in South Korea, where “there are groups … that believe that there is ongoing revelation from God.”

2. The Cessation of Direct, Special Revelation (00:50)

• Kim roots his answer in what he describes as a “theological perspective and Scripture that reminds us that there was a time where there were confirmation of God’s special revelation through miraculous signs as well as activities of God, but these have ceased.”
• He clarifies that now, “no longer does God speak to us directly, but in his inscripturated Word and certainly the Spirit working through his very words, the Bible speaks to us.”

Notable Quote

“There was a time where there were confirmation of God’s special revelation through miraculous signs… but these have ceased. …No longer does God speak to us directly, but in his inscripturated Word.”
— Rev. Joel Kim [00:50]

3. The Role of Experience in Theological Discussions (01:27)

• Kim expresses pastoral sensitivity towards Christians convinced by personal experience, stating, “Experience is such a powerful thing for a lot of people. So I don’t want to offend people per se…”
• He emphasizes respectful dialogue, rather than dogmatic dismissal.

4. The Sufficiency and Boundaries of Scripture (01:45–02:45)

• Kim argues that “special revelation, revelation particularly of God’s will to us, no longer continues… now in this stage of Scripture, God speaks to us through the Word.”
• He acknowledges that believers may have uniquely illuminating or insightful experiences with Scripture, but insists these must not be “different than the Word, outside the Word, not contra Word, and certainly cannot be against the Word, which is God’s very Word.”
• He exhorts all believers to “check all that they have heard and understand against the Word or with the Word because there is no way that anything that God speaks to us can be contrary to his revealed will to us.”

Notable Quote

“Even if that were true, I think reminders of checking all that they have heard and understand against the Word or with the Word because there is no way that anything that God speaks to us can be contrary to his revealed will to us.”
— Rev. Joel Kim [02:32]

5. Pastoral Boundaries and Encouragement (02:45–03:30)

• Kim urges listeners to put “boundaries in terms of the way we think about the way God speaks to us,” appreciating the Spirit’s ongoing illumination while affirming the Bible as the locus of God’s revealed will.
• He encourages finding wisdom and guidance through “His revealed will, as we continue to prayerfully reflect upon the Word he has given to us already.”

Notable Quote

“As we think about what the Lord does and how he continues to guide and provide wisdom for us… we find that in His Word, in His revealed will, as we continue to prayerfully reflect upon the Word he has given to us already.”
— Rev. Joel Kim [03:20]

Memorable Moments

• Use of the phrase “naively biblical” to describe a humble, straightforward adherence to Scripture, especially when navigating experiential claims. [01:30]
• Kim’s repeated emphasis on charitable, continued conversation with Christians who claim direct revelation: “I don’t want to offend people per se, but to simply point out that… now in this stage of Scripture, God speaks to us through the Word.” [01:37]

Key Segment Timestamps

• Ongoing Claims of Revelation: 00:30
• Biblical Cessation of Revelation: 00:50
• Importance of Experience in Theological Dialogue: 01:27
• The Sufficiency and Boundaries of Scripture: 01:45–02:45
• Pastoral Encouragement and Conclusion: 02:45–03:30

Tone and Approach

Rev. Joel Kim models both theological conviction and pastoral care. He emphasizes the finality and sufficiency of Scripture for God’s special revelation, while also acknowledging the deep role of personal experience for many believers. His tone remains measured, humble, and focused on fostering continued, respectful theological dialogue.