The God Who Gathers and Transforms His People (Ephesians 2:1–18; 4:17–5:10)

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