Salvation History and Key Christian Beliefs: Old Testament to Incarnation

What is Salvation History?

The pattern of events in human history where God reveals his presence and saving actions.

How is God's presence described in Salvation History?

God's saving hand has been at work in and through human history since the beginning of time.

What does Divine Revelation culminate in?

Jesus Christ.

What role do the prophets play in Salvation History?

They reveal God to the people, especially when humanity turns away from the Covenant and Law.

What is the significance of the Creation stories?

They teach that free will is essential to being human and show God's original plan for humanity.

What does the term Original Sin refer to?

The sin of the first humans who disobeyed God and the fallen state of human nature affecting all born into the world.

What is the Protoevangelium?

Genesis 3:15, referred to as the 'First Gospel', indicating the enmity between the serpent and the woman, foreshadowing Mary's role.

What are the two kinds of sins?

Venial sin, which is less serious and repairable by charity, and mortal sin, which is a serious transgression affecting one's relationship with God.

What does the story of Cain and Abel illustrate?

The effects of Original Sin and God's warning against resentment and anger, culminating in Cain's murder of Abel.

What is the significance of Noah and the Flood?

It shows humanity's sinful nature and God's Covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow as a sign of an everlasting covenant.

What does the Tower of Babel represent?

Humanity's attempt to reach the heavens and God's response by confusing their language, leading to their dispersion.

How did God create humanity according to Genesis?

God created the first person from the earth and breathed life into him, making humans in His image and likeness.

What was God's command to Adam regarding the Garden of Eden?

Adam was to cultivate and care for the garden but was forbidden to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

What does the Fall of Humanity entail?

The temptation by the serpent leading to disobedience and the loss of original holiness, marking the first sin.

What does the term 'missing the mark' refer to in the context of sin?

It describes the reality of sin as falling short of God's will.

What was God's response to humanity's inclination to sin?

God revealed Himself to prophets and remained faithful to the Covenant despite humanity's unfaithfulness.

What does the phrase 'God's Desire for Humanity' signify?

God's intention for humans to live in close communion with Him, reflecting His holiness and goodness.

How does the story of Cain and Abel relate to Original Sin?

It illustrates the ongoing effects of Original Sin through Cain's actions and God's mercy despite his wrongdoing.

What does the Covenant with Noah foreshadow?

It foreshadows God's Covenant with Abraham.

What is the role of the Trinity in creation?

The Trinity was intimately involved in creation, with the work attributed particularly to the Father.

What does the glory of God signify in creation?

It lies within each creation, sometimes visible and sometimes invisible.

What does the term 'venial sin' mean?

A less serious sin that can be repaired through acts of charity.

What does 'mortal sin' entail?

A serious transgression that hinders a person's relationship with God and their potential for love and eternal life.

What was the purpose of the Tower of Babel?

The Tower of Babel was an attempt by power-hungry people to build a tower that would reach the heavens, driven by a desire to be like God.

How did God stop the construction of the Tower of Babel?

God confused the people's speech, making it impossible for them to communicate and carry out their plan.

What does the story of Cain and Abel illustrate about disrespect for humanity?

Disrespect for humanity and life is seen as disrespect for God, the Creator.

What significant event does the story of Noah represent in Genesis?

The story of Noah shows God's respect for those who follow His creation and law, and His desire to maintain a relationship with humanity.

What is the significance of the covenants in salvation history?

Covenants represent the responsibilities between God and humanity, marking the unfolding of salvation history.

Who was chosen by God to lead a new community of people?

Abram, later renamed Abraham, was chosen by God to lead the Hebrew people.

What was the covenant established between God and Abraham?

God established a covenant with Abraham, promising to make him the father of a great nation and to bless his descendants.

What test of faith did Abraham face regarding his son Isaac?

God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, testing Abraham's faith and trust in God.

Who were Isaac's parents?

Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah.

What significant event occurred in Jacob's life regarding his birthright?

Jacob tricked his brother Esau into giving him his birthright and later received their father's blessing.

How did Jacob end up marrying Rachel?

Jacob worked for seven years to marry Rachel but was tricked into marrying Leah first, then worked another seven years to marry Rachel.

Who were the twelve sons of Jacob and their mothers?

Leah: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun; Bilhah (Rachel's servant): Dan, Naphtali; Zilpah (Leah's servant): Gad, Asher; Rachel: Joseph, Benjamin.

What role did Joseph play in Egypt?

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers but became governor of Egypt after interpreting Pharaoh's dreams.

What qualities did the patriarchs of Israel exemplify?

The patriarchs obeyed God, treated people with justice, lived moral lives, and sought to return to God wholeheartedly.

What led to the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt?

Pharaoh Ramses II felt threatened by the growing number of Israelites and enslaved them.

Who was Miriam and what was her role in Moses' life?

Miriam was Moses' sister who saved him from Pharaoh's decree to kill Israelite boys by placing him in a basket on the Nile.

What significant action did Moses take in defense of an Israelite slave?

Moses killed an Egyptian who was striking an Israelite slave and hid the body in the sand.

What was the outcome of Moses' action against the Egyptian?

Moses fled to Midian after his action became known, fearing for his life.

What did Moses do after killing the Egyptian?

He hid the body in the sand and fled to the land of Midian.

Who did Moses marry while in Midian?

He married Zipporah, the daughter of Reuel, a priest of Midian.

How did God reveal Himself to Moses?

Through a theophany in the form of a burning bush.

What name did God use to identify Himself to Moses?

'I am who am.'

What command did Moses give to Pharaoh?

'Let my people go.'

What consequence did Pharaoh face for refusing to release the Israelites?

God unleashed ten plagues on Pharaoh and Egypt.

What was the first plague that God sent upon Egypt?

Water turned into blood.

What was the tenth plague that led to the Israelites' freedom?

The death of the firstborn.

How did God protect the Israelites during the tenth plague?

He passed over the houses marked with the blood of the sacrificial lamb.

What is the significance of the Passover for the Israelites?

It demonstrated God's protection and deliverance.

What event occurred after the tenth plague?

Pharaoh let the Israelites go, but later pursued them.

What happened at the Red Sea?

God defeated the Egyptian armies as the Israelites crossed.

What is the Sinai Covenant?

The agreement where God forms a covenant with His Chosen People, including the Ten Commandments.

What are the Ten Commandments?

Laws given by God outlining moral and ethical conduct.

Who anointed Saul as the first king of Israel?

Samuel, the last judge and first prophet of Israel.

Who were the next two kings of Israel after Saul?

David and Solomon.

What qualities characterized King David?

He was a successful military leader, gifted musician, and savvy politician.

What was King Solomon known for?

His great wisdom, building the Temple, and creating trade alliances.

What is the hypostatic union in relation to Jesus?

The union of His divine and human natures in one Divine Person.

What does the title 'Kyrios' signify in relation to Jesus?

It indicates His divinity.

What did Jesus' death accomplish for humanity?

It redeemed us from sin and death.

What is Sacred Tradition?

The transmission of the truths taught by Jesus Christ, entrusted to the Apostles.

What did Jesus demonstrate through His life?

He fully revealed God and sanctified every part of human life.

How did Jesus practice His Jewish faith?

He followed the Law, celebrated Jewish holidays, and attended the synagogue.

What was the Roman occupation's impact on Jesus' life?

Jesus lived under foreign rule, with the Romans practicing tolerance but suppressing rebellions.

What is the significance of Jesus' earthly life?

It enriches our understanding of the Incarnation and God's revelation.

What is Apostolic Succession?

The process by which the Apostles passed on their authority to teach and interpret the Scriptures and Tradition to their successors, known as bishops.

What are the two pillars of God's Revelation?

The written, inspired Word of God (Scripture) and the living transmission of the Word of God (Tradition).

What is the Deposit of Faith?

The heritage of faith contained in Sacred Scriptures and Tradition that unites all of the People of God with their religious leaders and the early Apostles.

Who comprises the Magisterium of the Church?

The bishops in communion with the Pope, who are responsible for the authentic interpretation and teaching of the faith.

What is the role of the Magisterium?

To define the central teachings of the Catholic Church, known as dogma, rooted in its teaching authority and guided by the Holy Spirit.

What does the term 'Incarnation' refer to?

The central Christian belief that the Son of God assumed human nature and became flesh, as stated in John 1:14.

What does 'Emmanuel' mean?

'God with us,' referring to the presence of God in Jesus Christ.

When do Christians celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation?

At Christmas.

What event is known as the Annunciation?

The announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she would become the Mother of God.

What is Mary's response at the Annunciation?

Her 'fiat,' meaning 'Let it be done unto me according to Thy Word' (Luke 1:38).

What did Jesus accomplish through his Incarnation?

He showed us how to be human, reconciled us with God, and overcame sin and death.

Who was Saint John the Baptist?

A selflessly giving religious reformer who baptized Jesus and pointed others to Him.

What is the significance of the Triduum?

It is a continuous celebration of Jesus' Paschal journey from the Last Supper to his Resurrection.

What happens during the Mass of the Lord's Supper?

Jesus instituted the priesthood and the Eucharist as a memorial of his suffering and death.

What is unique about Good Friday?

It is the only day of the year with no Mass, focusing on the readings, adoration of the cross, and Holy Communion reserved from Holy Thursday.

What does the Easter Vigil include?

The Service of Light, Liturgy of the Word, Rite of baptism, and Liturgy of the Eucharist.

What does the Service of Light symbolize?

It signifies that the light of Christ has broken through the darkness of sin and death.

What is celebrated during the Easter Season?

Easter lasts fifty days until Pentecost, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and the descent of the Holy Spirit.

What happens on Ascension Thursday?

Forty days after Easter, it commemorates Jesus' ascension into glory in heaven.