Jen Wilkin joins Matt Harmon and Ben Gladd to explain why Christians should read Revelation as a symbolic, Old-Testament-saturated book that trains believers for endurance—not escapism—and why repeated, whole-book reading is essential for understanding it.

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Matt Harmon and Ben Gladd explain why Luke highlights Jesus’ Christ-centered reading of the Old Testament and argue Christians should learn to read Scripture the way Jesus taught his disciples—responsibly, contextually, and with the Spirit’s help.

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of Biblical Theology Briefing, a podcast from The Gospel Coalition, hosted by Ben Gladd and Matt Harmon. Biblical theology is not a verse-by-verse commentary or a devotional. Instead, it focuses on tracing the connections, themes, and patterns across Scripture, helping us see how the Bible tells one unified and coherent story.

Resources Mentioned

• From Adam and Israel to the Church by Ben Gladd
• From the Manger to the Throne by Ben Gladd
• Rebels and Exiles by Matt Harmon

Reference Works & Series 

• The Servant of the Lord and His Servant People by Matt Harmon
• Reference Works & Series New Dictionary of Biblical Theology by Alexander, Rosner, Carson, Goldsworthy
• New Studies in Biblical Theology (NSBT) by Don Carson & Ben Gladd
• Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT) by Ben Gladd

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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In this lecture, Don Carson examines 2 Thessalonians 3, offering practical guidance for Christians living between Christ's first and second comings. Carson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing gospel advancement through prayer and cultivating peace amidst a turbulent world. Carson teaches that waiting for the end times involves active obedience, communal responsibility, and reliance on God's faithfulness.

He teaches the following:

• Why believers should distance themselves from those who are idle
• How Paul emphasized the importance of personal responsibility
• Believers should live counter culturally, challenging societal norms that contradict biblical teachings
• The necessity of peace with God through Christ
• Believers are called to live out the gospel, demonstrating love, perseverance, and responsibility
• The importance of communal responsibility and discipline in maintaining the integrity of the Christian community
• Why believers should live in anticipation of Christ's return, allowing hope to shape their daily lives and actions

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In this lecture, Don Carson examines 2 Thessalonians 2, offering biblical insight into how Christians should anticipate Christ’s return. Carson emphasizes the importance of being steadfast in faith. Carson discusses the necessity of understanding prophetic events, and he urges believers to stand firm in the truth as they await the fulfillment of God's promises.

He teaches the following:

• Christ’s return is imminent, urging believers to live in constant readiness
• Why believers should prepare for a potentially extended period before Christ's return
• Christians should acknowledge God's sovereign election and the blessings already received through the gospel
• Why believers must remain anchored in truth and God’s eternal promises
• Why we must reject teachings that promise immediate wealth and health
• Believers should not succumb to a defeatist mindset that sees the world as beyond redemption
• Why we should avoid making definitive claims about the timing of Christ's return
• Christians should allow the anticipation of Christ’s return to shape daily life, priorities, and actions

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