The Carson Center Podcast

In this lecture, Don Carson explores the profound theological themes in the prologue of John's Gospel (John 1:1–18), emphasizing the significance of the Word (Logos) as both the inner thought of God and the outward expression of his self-disclosure. Carson highlights the dual roles of the Word as light and life, and he contrasts the law given through Moses with the grace received through Jesus Christ. He teaches the following: * The contextual significance of the Word (Logos) * How John’s prologue is connected to Genesis 1 * The Word is the light of men and the life that prepares them for eternity * Witness as a theme in John’s Gospel * How John the Baptist’s role as witness sets the stage for the incarnation * How the Word confronts and divides humanity * The significance of Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God

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 arrival * The implications of justice that will be witnessed at God’s final consummation * The importance of storing treasures in Heaven * How earthly blessings can distract us from a heavenly perspective * Why believers should reflect on the new heavens and earth * The significance of God’s new dwelling place * A 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 anger * Why Revelation 14 is a key text in exploring the theme of judgment * A definition of the eternal gospel mentioned in Revelation 14:6–7 * How Revelation 4–5 reveals God’s purposes for judgment and blessing * A reflection on Babylon as a symbol of arrogance and godlessness * How biblical metaphors emphasize the inevitability of God’s judgment * Why 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 institution * How Christianity is fundamentally different from other religious movements * The role of grace in transforming individuals and societies * How the cross has created peace between Jews and Gentiles * The role of the Holy Spirit as a helper to believers * Why suffering for Jesus is a privilege and a gift * How 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 God * A contrast between Paul’s view with humanity’s contemporary self-perception * The absurdity of balancing good deeds and bad deeds for justification * The heart of all evil is rebellion against God * How rejecting God leads to self-destructive behaviors * God's righteousness is provided through Christ Jesus as the propitiation for our sins * How God's justice is demonstrated both in forgiving us and punishing sin