The Carson Center Podcast

Unveiling the Divine Majesty in Revelation

In this lecture, Don Carson examines Revelation 5 to underscore Christ's unparalleled worthiness to open the scroll, symbolizing God's sovereign plan for redemption and judgment. Carson emphasizes that only the Lamb—Jesus Christ—can enact God's purposes, highlighting His central role in the cosmic narrative. Carson calls believers to respond with worship and adoration, recognizing Christ's supremacy and victory over evil. He teaches the following: * Why Jesus alone is worthy to open the scroll, signifying His unique authority * Christ’s worthiness to open the scroll signifies His final triumph over sin, evil, and death * How the scroll represents God's sovereign purposes for judgment and redemption * How the Lamb symbolizes complete power and knowledge * Jesus has established universal dominion, making believers a kingdom and priests to serve God * Christ's redemption is not limited to one group, but extends to all peoples, nations, and tongues * The significance of angelic praise of the Lamb, acknowledging His eternal worth * How Christ bridges the gap between God and humanity, fulfilling God's redemptive purposes

He Who Sits on the Throne: Unveiling God’s Sovereignty (Revelation 4)

In this lecture, Don Carson delves into Revelation 4, presenting a vivid portrayal of God's throne room. Carson emphasizes the holiness and sovereignty of God, highlighting the worship of celestial beings. Carson underscores the significance of this vision for believers, offering encouragement to remain steadfast and hopeful amidst trials, as it reaffirms God's ultimate authority and divine purpose. He teaches the following: * How God's throne in Heaven symbolizes His supreme authority * How a rainbow encircling the throne symbolizes God's covenant and mercy * The twenty-four elders surrounding the throne represent the redeemed people of God * All things were created by God's will and exist for His pleasure * The repeated proclamation of "Holy, holy, holy" underscores God's absolute purity and separateness * Revelation 4 emphasizes that God reigns over all creation, despite the world’s perspective * How Revelation 4 reminds believers to remain faithful amidst trials * Vivid descriptions in Revelation highlight the transcendence and mystery of God's nature

The Function and Usefulness of Apocalyptic Preaching

In this lecture, Don Carson explores the distinctive role of apocalyptic literature in biblical theology. Carson highlights how its vivid imagery and symbolism convey transcendent truths about God, moral absolutes, and the ultimate fulfillment of biblical themes. Carson underscores the genre's effectiveness in evangelism, teaching believers to anticipate Christ's return, and revealing the cosmic dimensions of spiritual conflict. He teaches the following: * How apocalyptic literature employs vivid imagery to convey transcendent truths * How Revelation draws upon earlier scriptures, weaving them into a comprehensive vision of God's ultimate purposes * Why the phrase "I will be their God, and they will be my people" reaches its fulfillment in Revelation * Apocalyptic literature provides a cosmic perspective on spiritual conflict * How this genre highlights the sovereignty of God over all events * How the symbolic language of apocalyptic literature invites deeper reflection * Why preaching apocalyptic texts requires careful exegesis * Apocalyptic texts remind the church of its eschatological hope and the promise of Christ's return

Unveiling the Heart of Apocalyptic Preaching

In this lecture, Don Carson teaches that Jesus Christ must remain the central focus in interpretations of the Book of Revelation. Carson critiques various scholarly approaches that often marginalize Christ, urging that all aspects of Revelation are inseparable from His death and resurrection. Carson underscores that Revelation presents a grand vision of Christ's mediatorial kingship and priesthood, culminating in the New Heaven and New Earth. He teaches the following: * Why Revelation should be read with Jesus at its center, as both the agent and substance of God's revelation * How Revelation highlights Jesus's fulfillment of Old Testament themes * How Revelation 1:12–16 draws from Daniel's vision of the "Ancient of Days” * Descriptions of Jesus's authority in Revelation are rooted in the initial vision of His glory * Jesus's death and resurrection empower Him to open the seals, unfolding God's purposes * Jesus’s authority brings both judgment and salvation–signified by trumpet judgments and the final judgment * In the new creation, God will have eternal presence with His people

The Power and Purpose of Apocalyptic Preaching

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses the unique nature of apocalyptic literature, emphasizing its distinct historical context and symbolic language. Carson argues that apocalyptic texts like Revelation can be engaging and evangelistically effective. Carson discusses the importance of understanding these texts within their original setting and literary genre to grasp their full theological significance. He teaches the following: * Why apocalyptic literature is often perceived as an "alien genre" * The Book of Revelation serves as a primary example of apocalyptic literature, offering a narrative framework with divine revelations * How Revelation presents a cosmic perspective on spiritual realities * Why apocalyptic literature employs vivid imagery to convey profound truths * How Revelation blends apocalyptic and prophetic styles, urging repentance amidst impending judgment * Understanding apocalyptic literature requires immersion in its historical and cultural context * How engaging with Revelation can enhance preaching, offering rich theological insights and eschatological hope * Why this genre's symbolism invites imaginative engagement in preaching