Salvation History and Key Christian Concepts

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Salvation History and important Christian doctrines.

Salvation History

The unfolding of God's plan to save humanity throughout time, as recorded in the Bible.

Messiah

A prophesied savior and deliverer, especially one anointed to rescue the people of God.

Covenant

A sacred agreement or promise between God and humanity, or between individuals.

Sacrifice

An offering, often of an animal, made to God as a sign of worship, atonement, or thanksgiving.

Gentiles

People who are not Jewish.

Passover

A Jewish festival commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

The Law

The set of commandments and statutes given by God to the Israelites, primarily through Moses.

Decalogue

The Ten Commandments, a core set of laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

New Covenant

A new agreement between God and humanity established through Jesus Christ, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Paschal Mystery

The passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is seen as the central event of salvation.

Types

People, events, or objects in the Old Testament that foreshadow or prefigure realities in the New Testament, especially Christ.

Circumcision

A religious rite, especially in Judaism, involving the removal of the foreskin of the penis, signifying belonging to God's covenant people.

Eucharist

A Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper, in which bread and wine are consumed as the body and blood of Christ.

Promised Land

The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants.

Judges

Leaders in ancient Israel who were appointed by God to deliver the people from oppression and govern them.

Kingdom of Israel

The northern kingdom of the Israelites after the division of the united monarchy.

Kingdom of Judah

The southern kingdom of the Israelites after the division of the united monarchy, centered in Jerusalem.

Theotokos

A Greek title for Mary, mother of Jesus, meaning 'God-bearer.'

Christ

A title meaning 'anointed one,' referring to Jesus as the prophesied savior.

Incarnation

The Christian doctrine that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ.

Nicene Creed

A foundational statement of Christian belief, adopted by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, outlining core tenets of faith.

Sermon on the Mount

A collection of sayings and teachings of Jesus, found in the Gospel of Matthew, including the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer.

Two Great Commandments

Jesus' summary of the law: to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Theosis

A concept in Eastern Orthodox Christianity referring to the process of becoming like God, or deification, through spiritual practice.

The Old Testament

Important as it lays the foundation for the New Testament.

Covenants in the Old Testament

Demonstrate God's relationship with humanity, establishing terms of promise and obligation.

Noahic Covenant

The covenant made with Noah where God promised never to destroy all life with a flood.

Abrahamic Covenant

Promises made to Abraham to make him the father of a great nation and bless all nations through him.

Mosaic Covenant

Covenant involving the Law given to the Israelites through Moses.

Davidic Covenant

Covenant promising a royal lineage from David.

Jesus Christ

The fulfillment of Salvation History and the Messiah promised in the Old Testament.

Mary

Specially chosen by God, preserved from sin, and the Mother of God.

Incarnation's Reasons

To reconcile humanity with God, show God's love, model holiness, and enable sharing in God's divine nature.

John the Baptist

He prepared the way for the Messiah and bore witness to Jesus as the Son of God.