Theology and Christology: Incarnation, Marian Dogmas, and the Gospels

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering terms, definitions, prophetic fulfillments, and theological concepts surrounding Christology, Mariology, and Matthew's Gospel.

Annunciation

The angel Gabriel's visit to Mary to tell her she would be the Mother of Jesus.

Atonement

Making up for a sin or wrongdoing through a voluntary act.

Baptism

The first of the Seven Sacraments that cleanses Original Sin, gives God's grace, welcomes a person into the Church, and is necessary to participate in divine life.

Betrothal

A formal promise or engagement to marry.

Detachment

Letting go of worldly wealth or desires to put God and His Kingdom first, exemplified by Christ's poverty.

Emmanuel

A name given to Mary's Son meaning "God with us."

Finding in the Temple

The event where 12-year-old Jesus was lost for three days and found discussing God's Law in the Temple with the teachers.

Fiat

Latin for "let it be done"; Mary's "yes" to God's plan to become the Mother of Jesus.

Gabriel

An archangel who served as God's special messenger to Mary in Nazareth at the Annunciation.

Grace

God's free love and assistance given to help us avoid sin and live closer to Him.

Hidden Life

The period of Jesus' life between his childhood/infancy and public ministry about which little is written.

Immaculate Conception

The belief that Mary was kept free from Original Sin from the very first moment of her conception.

Incarnation

From the Latin meaning "to become flesh"; the moment God the Son took on a human nature and became man in Jesus Christ.

Justification

Being made right with God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, received through His grace by faith rather than earned by works.

Mary (Theotokos)

The Mother of Jesus Christ and Mother of God (Theotokos).

Mystery

A truth revealed by God that humans cannot fully comprehend with reason alone.

Nativity

The birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

Sacrifice

An offering made to God by a priest as an act of worship or praise; fulfilled permanently by Jesus on the Cross.

Sanctifying Grace

The special grace given through the Sacraments that heals our human nature and allows us to share in God's divine life.

Son of God

A title for Jesus Christ that highlights His divinity and relationship to God the Father.

Prophet Micah

The Old Testament prophet who predicted that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

New Eve

Mary's title earned by giving her "yes" to God, which stood in direct contrast to Eve's "no" to God.

Two Natures of Jesus

The divine nature and human nature united in Jesus Christ.

Joseph

The earthly father of Jesus who was of the lineage of David, was spoken to by God through an angel in a dream, and originally intended to divorce Mary quietly to protect her from stoning.

John the Baptist

The prophet who prepared the way for Jesus in the role of the returning Elijah, preached a baptism of water for repentance, and referred to Jesus as "The Lamb of God."

The Lamb of God

The name given to Jesus by John the Baptist.

Five Reasons for the Incarnation

1) Reconcile us to God, 2) allow us to share in divine life, 3) defeat the Devil, 4) manifest God's love, and 5) offer a model for holiness.

Necessity of Christ's Sacrifice

Because Adam and Eve's rebellion infinitely offended God's infinite dignity, no finite being could make reparation; God's perfect justice required a man to make amends for an injustice started by man, requiring Jesus to become man to fulfill the sacrifice.

New Commandment

The commandment given by Jesus at the Last Supper to love one another and serve others.

The Love of Money

Cited in 1 Timothy 6:10 as the root of all kinds of evil.

Defeat of Satan

The permanent defeat of Satan that will take place at the end of time.

Central Theme of Matthew's Gospel

The Kingdom of heaven, presenting Jesus as the Messiah.

Structure of Matthew's Gospel

An alternating structure of panels consisting of five narrative collections separated by five major speeches/discourses.