World Religions and Christian Vocations - CH 1. Vocabulary

Old Covenant

The series of promises made by God to His Chosen People, Israel, described in the Old Testament, & which is fulfilled in the new & everlasting covenant won for us.

New Covenant

The new & everlasting covenant won for us by Christ's Paschal Mystery. In this covenant is the fulfillment of centuries of prophecies & all of God's promises for the forgiveness of sins.

How are we made members of the New Covenant?

We are made members of the New Covenant by our baptism & we renew and participate in the covenant every time we receive the Eucharist. All people are invited to be members of the New Covenant.

Salvation History

The story of God's love & mercy revealed to us throughout human history, culminating in Christ's sacrifice on the Cross & Resurrection from the dead, which won for us salvation from sin & death.

Covenant

A sacred permanent bond of family relationship. God entered into a series of covenants with His people throughout Salvation History to invite us to be part of His divine family & to prepare us gradually to receive the gift of salvation.

Public Revelation

The revelation God has given the world, handed on by the Church & preserved in Sacred Tradition. The time of public revelation ended with the death of the Apostle. We await no further public revelation.

Private Revelation

Revelation made in the course of history to a particular person or persons which does not add to or form part of the deposit of faith, but rather may help people live out their faith more fully. Some private revelations have been recognized by the authority of the Church.