The Carson Center Podcast

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

In this enlightening discussion, D. A. Carson, co-founder of The Gospel Coalition and a distinguished New Testament professor, delves into God's dual role as Creator and Legislator. He emphasizes the importance of divine laws in establishing societal boundaries and argues that truth is non-negotiable, even in a post-modern world. Carson connects the Ten Commandments to God’s redemptive plan through Jesus, highlighting the significance of the sacrificial system and the dangers of idolatry faced by the Israelites. His insights reveal the enduring relevance of biblical principles today.

In this discussion, D. A. Carson, a prominent New Testament professor and co-founder of The Gospel Coalition, delves into the covenant promises exemplified in Abraham's narrative from Genesis 12. He highlights three misconceptions about God’s relationship with humanity and emphasizes that God’s sovereignty doesn't rely on human worship. Carson further elaborates on how Abraham's obedience foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, showcasing God’s unyielding grace and the profound cultural implications of faith and divine promises.

Join Collin Hansen and Melissa Kruger for their annual discussion as they look back on the top theology stories of 2024. They also share their favorite books from 2024, updates on personal projects, and what they're each looking forward to in life and ministry in 2025. They discuss: The rise in Bible sales in 2024Declining fertility rates worldwideBig changes for the United Methodist Church and the role of the Global SouthThe advance of assisted suicide in the UKThe Cass Report and the truth about transgender treatmentsEncouraging signs among Gen ZTrump’s election victory and a GOP shiftAnticipating the 2025 Gospelbound seasonBook highlights from 2024Personal projects and updatesDon Carson’s legacy and an important update about his life and ministryMentioned on this episode:"My Top 10 Theology Stories of 2024" by Collin Hansen (article)Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.