Salvation History & Scripture Study Guide

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on Salvation History and Scripture Study, including definitions, covenants, and significant biblical stories and themes.

Salvation History

The unfolding of God’s plan to save humanity from sin and bring us into eternal union with Him, told through covenants climaxing in Jesus Christ.

Image & Likeness of God

Humans share God’s qualities—intellect, free will, capacity for love—reflecting the Trinity's relational, rational, and self-giving nature.

Sin

Disobeying God; can be mortal (grave) or venial (minor).

Concupiscence

The inclination or tendency to sin, a consequence of Original Sin.

Protoevangelium

The "First Gospel" in Genesis 3:15, promising a Savior who will defeat Satan.

Adam's Covenant

Mediated by Adam, with the Sabbath as its sign, promising union with God.

Noah's Covenant

Mediated by Noah, with the Rainbow as its sign, promising God will not destroy the world by flood.

Abraham's Covenant

Mediated by Abraham, with Circumcision as its sign, promising a nation, a great name, and a worldwide blessing.

Moses' Covenant

Mediated by Moses, with the Passover/Law as its sign, promising Israel will be God’s chosen people.

David's Covenant

Mediated by David, with the Throne/Temple as its sign, promising an eternal dynasty.

Jesus' (New) Covenant

Mediated by Jesus, with the Eucharist as its sign, promising eternal life through Him.

Tower of Babel

A key story where humanity was scattered and languages confused, reversed at Pentecost.

Melchizedek

A priest-king who offered bread and wine, foreshadowing the Eucharist.

Sacrifice of Isaac

A key story prefiguring Christ's sacrifice, with Isaac carrying wood and being a beloved son.

Joseph (Old Testament)

A key story where he was sold by his brothers, rose in Egypt, and saved his family, showing God bringing good out of evil.

Literal Sense of Scripture

Understanding what the text of Scripture actually says.

Allegorical/Typological Sense of Scripture

Understanding how the Old Testament foreshadows the New Testament (also known as Prefigurement).

Moral Sense of Scripture

Understanding how Scripture teaches us how to live.

Anagogical Sense of Scripture

Understanding how Scripture points to Heaven.

Prefigurement

The Allegorical/Typological sense of Scripture, where an Old Testament event or person foreshadows a New Testament event or person.

Jesus as Sacrifice

Jesus is the Lamb of God and the once-for-all sacrifice, fulfilling all Old Testament sacrifices.

Baptism of Jesus

The event (Matthew 3:16–17) where the Trinity is revealed (Father's voice, Son baptized, Spirit as dove), foreshadowing Christian Baptism.

Pentecost

The event (Acts 2) where the Holy Spirit descends, uniting languages, and marking the birth of the Church.

Annunciation

The event (Luke 1:26–38) where Mary’s "yes" (Fiat) begins the Incarnation, revealing Jesus as the Son of God.

Blood of Abel vs. Christ

Abel’s blood cries for justice (Gen 4), while Christ’s blood offers mercy and forgiveness (Hebrews 12:24).

Passion of Christ

The central mystery of salvation, fulfilling prophecy (Isaiah 53, Psalms) and revealing God’s love and obedience.