Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) celebrated a new semester by honoring The College at Southeastern’s first dean’s list recipients and beginning a new chapel sermon series on the Book of Revelation in a newly renovated Binkley chapel.
Ninety-seven College at Southeastern students were recognized for making the Fall 2021 dean’s list, which requires that students complete at least 12 credit hours with a 3.75 GPA or higher for the semester, be in good standing and maintain an overall 3.0 GPA.
“At the beginning of the new semester, I think it’s appropriate that we would celebrate this accomplishment to motivate all of us to renew our efforts and to strive for excellence as we pursue faithfulness as the ultimate measure of success,” said Scott Pace, Dean of The College at Southeastern, during the Jan. 20 chapel service. “I pray that this recognition encourages each of us to ‘excel still more’ as we seek to walk worthy of our high calling in Christ Jesus.”
Following Dr. Pace’s address of the dean’s list recipients, President Danny Akin preached through Revelation 1:1-20. Dr. Akin provided historical and literary context for Revelation, setting up further context as chapel speakers collectively walk systematically through Revelation for the remainder of the semester.
“Of all the books in the Bible, I do not believe there is any that exalts and magnifies the greatness and the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ more than the Book of Revelation,” said Akin. “When we enter into this book, we indeed meet the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords and the Ruler of the kings on Earth.”
Akin explained to students that Revelation 1 communicates to readers the importance to read, listen and obey God’s Word. Likewise, Revelation compels us to worship the great, Triune God and turns the reader’s attention to look for the return of the King.
“We’re going to see that in this book, He is nothing less than the majestic and glorious warrior-lamb, who is indeed coming again to rule and to reign forever,” Akin said.
Throughout Revelation, Jesus is referred to as the Son of Man, a title Akin called “Jesus’ favorite self-designation,” since the name is used 81 times in the gospels as well. This Son of Man is also the one who Revelation declares to free us from the bondage of sin and allows us to worship the King of kings. This is why we see the writer and Apostle John erupt into worship in verse 6 for who God is and what He has done.
“He has freed us from sin’s penalty. That is our justification. He is freeing us from sin’s power. That is our sanctification. And He will free us from sin’s presence. That is our glorification,” said Akin, concluding that Revelation shows us that no matter what happens on this earth, Jesus has the final word.
Tune into Southeastern’s chapel every Tuesday and Thursday to hear more sermons on Revelation this semester. Visit sebts.edu/chapel to learn more.
(EDITOR’S NOTE – Lauren Pratt is news and information specialist with SEBTS.)
