The Beatific Vision: On the Transfiguration of Christ

Pastor Chris Gordon and Rev. Dr. Dan Borvan walk through Mark 9's account of the Transfiguration, showing how Christ's glory answers the disciples' confusion over a suffering, dying Messiah.
Title
The Beatific Vision: On the Transfiguration of Christ
Summary
Pastor Chris Gordon and Rev. Dr. Dan Borvan walk through Mark 9's account of the Transfiguration, showing how Christ's glory answers the disciples' confusion over a suffering, dying Messiah.
Published
Aug 12, 2026
Hosted By
Pastor Chris Gordon
Source
Show Notes

In this episode, Pastor Chris Gordon is joined by Rev. Dr. Dan Borvan to work through Mark 9 and the Transfiguration of Christ. They set the scene with Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah immediately followed by his rebuke of Jesus for predicting His suffering and death — exposing the perennial human pull toward a theology of glory over a theology of the cross.

Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction & Subscribe
2:01 - Today's Topic: The Transfiguration in Mark 9
2:12 - The Beatific Vision Explained
4:30 - Context: Peter's Confession & Jesus' First Prediction
5:55 - Peter's Rebuke: "Get Behind Me, Satan"
9:57 - Theology of the Cross vs. Theology of Glory
11:49 - Deny Yourself and Take Up Your Cross
14:19 - The Hard Verse: "Kingdom Come with Power"
19:46 - The Transfiguration Begins
20:57 - Divinity Unveiled or Glorified Humanity?
22:13 - Moses, Elijah, and the True Exodus
23:47 - Peter's Booths & the Overshadowing Cloud
26:58 - "This Is My Beloved Son; Listen to Him"
28:20 - Peter's Application in 2 Peter 1
30:56 - Coming Down the Mountain

Guest Information:
Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. Daniel earned his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 2011, along with a Master of Arts in Historical Theology (thesis on Faustus Socinus).

Dan on X - @danborvan
Dan's Church - christreformed.org

Mentions:
The Beatific Vision
Mark 9 (Transfiguration account)
Peter's Confession of Christ (Mark 8)
Theology of the Cross vs. Theology of Glory
The Wilderness Temptation of Christ
Moses and Elijah
The Exodus (as Old Testament type)
2 Peter 1 (Peter's eyewitness testimony)
Psalm 27
Isaiah 6
Luke's Gospel account of the Transfiguration
John 6 (the crowd's attempt to make Jesus king)
Acts 1 (the disciples' question about restoring the kingdom)
The Road to Emmaus
W. Robert Godfrey's "crowd reduction sermon"

Stations

CFJW 92.9 FM
Sundays
Smithers BC, Canada
First Love Radio (Internet)
Monday-Friday @ 7-7:30am
Bagdad, Florida
KARI 550 AM
Monday-Friday @ 2:30-3:00am, 4:30-5:00pm
Blaine, Wa
KGCE-LP 107.9 FM
Monday-Friday @ 7am
Modesto, CA
KKLA
Sundays @ 1-2am, 4-5pm, 7-8pm
Glendale, CA
KPRZ 106.1 FM & 1210 AM
Monday-Friday 5-5:30pm
San Diego, CA
KRDU 1130 AM
Monday-Friday @ 1:30pm
Fresno, CA
WCNP 89.5 FM
Monday-Friday @ 8-8:30am
Reedsburg, Wisconsin

Recent

Video
Do vs. Done: The Law/Gospel Distinction with Dr. R. Scott Clark
Chris Gordon and Dr. R. Scott Clark respond to a recent critique of law and gospel preaching. They explain what the distinction actually is, where it gets abused, and why abandoning it leaves congregations under the covenant of works.
Whom Shall I Fear?
David's confidence in the Lord is not theory but experience — a life of deliverances read backward. Psalm 27 moves from unshakable joy to raw lament and back to a promise: wait on the Lord, and He will strengthen your heart.
Is Roman Catholicism Right About Tradition? - Part 2
Dr. W. Robert Godfrey joins Pastor Chris Gordon in part 2 of a conversation about "tradition" — from the Bible's own positive use of the word to Rome's claims of an unwritten apostolic deposit — and why every tradition, Protestant or Catholic, must ultimately answer to Scripture.
Where Are the Nine? | Luke 17:11–19 - Lectio Continua
Ten lepers cry out to Jesus for mercy and are all healed — but only one, a Samaritan, turns back to give thanks. Pastor Chris Gordon asks what separates outward healing from true, saving faith.
Is Roman Catholicism Right About Tradition? - Part 1
Dr. W. Robert Godfrey joins Pastor Chris Gordon to examine Rome's appeal to 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and its claim to preserve unwritten apostolic tradition.
Reconciliation with God
In this preparation sermon for the Lord's Supper, Pastor Chris Gordon draws from the reunion of Jacob and Esau to show that genuine reconciliation with our brothers and sisters flows from being first reconciled to God through Christ.
Newsletter
Our newsletter is a great way to stay up-to-date with all our latest episodes, news, and content and helps us stay in close contact with our listeners.
Subscribe
Like, subscribe and share our podcast on your favorite platform. Be sure to follow us on social media and don't forget to join our newsletter!
Donate
Support The Abounding Grace Radio Ministry
The New Reformation Catechism On Human Sexuality
by Rev. Christopher Gordon

The New Reformation Catechism on Human Sexuality, authored by Rev. Christopher Gordon, is a new biblically based catechism giving clarity on critical issues concerning human sexuality.

"May God bless you richly as you grow in Christian liberty. May this book help you hold fast to the truth and better understand how the full counsel of God speaks to the godly priority of human sexuality."
~ Rosaria Butterfield
Visit Our Store