The Carson Center Podcast

In this lecture, Don Carson examines the final consummation of God's plan as described in Revelation 21 and 22. He emphasizes the transformation of the universe into a new heaven and new earth free from death, sin, and corruption. Carson explains the symbolic significance of the New Jerusalem, the River of Life, and the Tree of Life, underscoring the God-centered nature of the new creation.He teaches the following:Why it is essential to anticipate and pray for the end’s arrivalThe implications of justice that will be witnessed at God’s final consummationThe importance of storing treasures in HeavenHow earthly blessings can distract us from a heavenly perspectiveWhy believers should reflect on the new heavens and earthThe significance of God’s new dwelling placeA description of the purity and perfection of the new creation

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses God's wrath, arguing that it is unavoidable judgment, not abstract punishment, as seen throughout Scripture. Carson explores key themes in Revelation 14, including the eternal gospel, the fall of Babylon, and the severity of God's wrath. He addresses the eternal reality of hell, urging listeners to reflect on the significance of the cross and the permanent consequences of sin.He teaches the following:Modern society’s perception of anger and its contrast to righteous angerWhy Revelation 14 is a key text in exploring the theme of judgmentA definition of the eternal gospel mentioned in Revelation 14:6–7How Revelation 4–5 reveals God’s purposes for judgment and blessingA reflection on Babylon as a symbol of arrogance and godlessnessHow biblical metaphors emphasize the inevitability of God’s judgmentWhy contemplating hell should lead to a deeper understanding of God’s love and sacrifice

In this lecture, Don Carson critiques Western individualism and its societal effects, explaining the church’s unique role as an eternal institution distinct from the world. Carson emphasizes the transformative power of biblical grace, contrasting it with harmful uses of religion and secular ideologies, and he explains the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live righteously. Carson highlights the global impact of Christian faith, illustrating how it leads to profound spiritual transformation and societal change.He teaches the following:A biblical perspective on the church as the only eternal human institutionHow Christianity is fundamentally different from other religious movementsThe role of grace in transforming individuals and societiesHow the cross has created peace between Jews and GentilesThe role of the Holy Spirit as a helper to believersWhy suffering for Jesus is a privilege and a giftHow evangelism brings a spiritual transformation that secular efforts alone cannot achieve

In this lecture, Don Carson explores the concept of God's justice and righteousness, particularly as presented in Romans 3:21-26. Carson explains that all humans are guilty before God because of their sin, and justification comes through faith, not works, which is available to all. Carson highlights that faith must be rooted in the truth of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, and is essential for salvation, excluding any boasting of personal merit.He teaches the following:How Romans 1 argues the universality of human guilt before GodA contrast between Paul’s view with humanity’s contemporary self-perceptionThe absurdity of balancing good deeds and bad deeds for justificationThe heart of all evil is rebellion against GodHow rejecting God leads to self-destructive behaviorsGod's righteousness is provided through Christ Jesus as the propitiation for our sinsHow God's justice is demonstrated both in forgiving us and punishing sin

In this lecture, Don Carson explains the central role of Jesus's death and resurrection in Christian theology, stressing that understanding these events is key to grasping the gospel. Carson contrasts Jesus's death with that of other figures and highlights the unique nature of the canonical Gospels, particularly focusing on the ironies of Jesus's ultimate sacrifice. Carson emphasizes the importance of Jesus's resurrection and forgiveness of sins as foundational to Christian belief and reconciliation to God.He teaches the following:Why understanding the gospel requires grasping the significance of Jesus's death and resurrectionThe ironies in Matthew 27, a passage that records Jesus’s deathHow Jesus's followers experienced a transformation of moral categoriesThe difference between historical accounts and cultural perceptionsThe importance of internal moral imperatives in Jesus's life and teachingsAn argument for Jesus’s resurrection as a factual historical eventWhy Jesus's sacrifice is the only way to be reconciled to God

In this lecture, Don Carson explores the multifaceted nature of God's love as presented in the Bible, contrasting it with both historical and modern misconceptions. Carson outlines the five aspects of God's love and emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate measure of this love. Carson concludes by highlighting faith, gratitude, and humility as the appropriate responses to God's love, which offers life and salvation through Christ.He teaches the following:God’s love for both believers and unbelievers is a central theme in the BibleGod’s providential love is non-discriminating, extending to both the just and the unjustThe importance of understanding Scripture’s diverse expressions of God's loveFaith is the means by which we come to experience God's love and lifeRepentance and gratitude are the appropriate responses to understanding God's love and salvation

In this lecture, Don Carson exposites John 3, explaining how spiritual birth is a transformative power from God that brings moral and spiritual change. Carson emphasizes the connection between this imagery, Jesus's death, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Carson also explores the need for reconciliation to God, moral transformation, and the reversal of sin’s effects. New birth is not a result of human effort but a life-changing process enabled by the Holy Spirit.He teaches the following:How the desire to challenge God and usurp his authority leads to social evils and strifeRebellion against God results in death, but God's mercy leads to a new humanity through AbrahamGod showed the need for sacrifice under the Old Covenant, promising a Redeemer from the Davidic lineJesus's revelation is grounded in his identity as God's own self-expressionThe new birth is grounded in Jesus's death, which provides the means for eternal life

In this lecture, Don Carson explores the biblical theme of the incarnation, explaining the Old Testament’s anticipation of God's visitation which culminates in the New Testament. Carson shows how Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises, embodying both judgment and mercy. And he highlights the significance of John's Gospel, emphasizing Jesus as God's self-expression and agent in creation, connecting these themes to the New Covenant.He teaches the following:God’s declared promises of forgiveness, transformation, and an eternal Davidic KingThe linguistic significance of Jesus’s name, and its connection to the theme of salvationThe historical interpretation of John 1:1–18, and its relation to the creation accountThe role of John the Baptist as a witness to the true LightHow the Old Testament law prepared the way for Jesus’s arrivalWhy Jesus’s sacrifice is the most profound display of God’s glory

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses two depictions of God in the Bible: the God who inspires worship from his people and the God who is unfathomably wise, emphasizing the expression of these themes in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. Carson delves into key Psalms to highlight the contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the importance of repentance, and the deep emotional and spiritual truths embedded in these texts. Carson also discusses the books of Job and Ecclesiastes, illustrating humanity’s search for wisdom and ultimately pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of wisdom and righteousness.He teaches the following:Two depictions of God in the Bible, and how these themes reflect literary genres in the Old TestamentThe linguistic meaning and historical significance of key phrases and metaphors in Psalm 1How Job’s story reveals the limits of human understandingThe Book of Ecclesiastes teaches that true wisdom is attained by fearing GodThe Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament points to ultimate wisdom that is found in Jesus

Discover the fascinating journey of God as the reigning King throughout biblical history. Explore the contrasts between ancient and modern monarchy perceptions while tracing Israel’s desire for a king. Unpack the significance of God's promise to David and its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Delve into the complexities of leadership in the Davidic dynasty and the ongoing struggles of faithfulness. Encounter the triumphant sovereignty of Christ, who defeats death and reigns eternally, inspiring spiritual renewal.