Divine Revelation Study Guide

Final Exam Study Guide

Divine Revelation 2025 - Ms. Mikolaycik

Part 1: The Bible

  • Two Parts of the Bible: The Bible is traditionally divided into two main parts:

    • Old Testament: Contains texts sacred in Judaism and consists of multiple books including the Torah or Pentateuch, the Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, and the Prophets.

    • New Testament: Focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Church, comprising the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation.

Differences: The Old Testament primarily documents God's covenant with Israel and prophecies regarding the coming Messiah, while the New Testament fulfills these prophecies through the life of Jesus and the establishment of a new covenant.

  • Vocabulary Highlights:

    • Pentateuch: The first five books of the Bible, also known as the Torah.

    • Decalogue: Refers to the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses.

    • Hebrew Scriptures: Another term for the Old Testament, used primarily in Jewish tradition.

    • Typology: A method of biblical interpretation where an element found in the Old Testament is seen to prefigure one found in the New Testament.

Part II: The Transmission of Divine Revelation and Sacred Scriptures

  • Natural vs. Divine Revelation:

    • Natural Revelation: Knowledge of God that can be understood through nature and human reason, such as the existence of a Creator and moral order.

    • Divine Revelation: God's self-disclosure to humanity through sacred scriptures and the person of Jesus Christ.

  • Importance of Both: Understanding both forms of revelation is crucial for a complete grasp of God's will and the moral law.

  • Senses of Scripture:

    • Literal Sense: The actual meaning conveyed by the words themselves in their historical context.

    • Spiritual Senses:

    • Allegorical: Association with Christ and the Church, explaining how Old Testament events foreshadow New Testament realities.

    • Moral: The ethical teachings and lessons that can be derived from the text, emphasizing righteous behavior.

    • Anagogical: Referring to the ultimate destiny of humanity, pointing towards heaven and eternal life.

Part III: Creation and DeCreation

Vocabulary:

  • Imago Dei: Latin for 'image of God,' referring to the belief that humans are created in God's likeness.

  • Shamar: Hebrew term meaning 'to guard' or 'to keep,' often used in the context of guarding God's commandments.

  • Protoevangelium: “First Gospel” it’s important because it lets us know that we will always prevail, and as a warning to Lucifer. found in Genesis 3:15.

  • The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil vs. The Tree of Life: The former symbolizes the boundary set by God regarding moral good and evil, while the latter represents eternal life and divine sustenance.

  • Original Sin: The fallen state of human nature inherited from Adam and Eve. Consequences include:

    • Immediate: Loss of original holiness and justice, introduction of death and suffering.

    • Long-term: Moral corruption and the inclination to sin, requiring redemption.

DeCreation Stories: Analysis

  • Key Stories Include:

    • Adam and Eve: Represents temptation and the fall.

    • Cain and Abel: Illustrates jealousy and the consequences of sin.

    • Noah's Ark: Symbolizes redemption through obedience.

    • Tower of Babel: Represents human pride and the scattering of nations.

  • Symbols in Each Story:

    • Adam and Eve: The Serpent, the Forbidden Fruit, symbolizes temptation.

    • Cain and Abel: The Offering and Cain's Mark symbolize consequence and mercy.

    • Noah: The Ark represents refuge and salvation.

    • Babel: The Tower represents human ambition against divine order.

  • Protoevangelium Significance: Foretells the coming of Christ and God's plan for salvation, emphasizing the importance of hope in redemption.

Part IV: Recreation

  • Patriarchs: Key figures in the Bible include:

    • Abraham: The father of many nations, made a covenant with God.

    • Isaac, Jacob, Joseph: Important descendants whose lives demonstrated the unfolding covenant plan.

    • Matriarchs: Notable women include Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah, who play crucial roles in the Abrahamic covenant.

  • Melchizedek: A priestly figure mentioned in Genesis who represents the eternal priesthood and foreshadows Christ.

Part V: The Exodus

  • Moses: A central figure who leads the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt.

  • Ten Plagues: Each plague represents God’s power and a confrontation with Egyptian deities, culminating in the Passover event.

    • Significance of Passover: Symbolizes liberation and God's protection, foreshadows Christ's sacrificial death.

  • The Covenant: Represents God's promise and guidelines for living in a relationship with Him, established through the Ten Commandments.

  • Vocabulary:

    • Theophany: A visible manifestation of God to humans.

    • Yahweh: The personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible.

    • Ark of the Covenant: Symbolizes God’s presence among His people.

Writings to Know for the Exam

  1. Covenants in the Bible: Understanding the nature of God's covenants with humanity and the expectations they involve.

  2. Passover Story: Comprehension of its symbols and significance today, particularly in relation to Jesus.

Summary of Spiritual Sense of the DeCreation Stories (Old Testament)

  • Spiritual Themes: The stories convey deep moral and spiritual lessons through allegories, metaphors, and moral teachings.

    • Faith: What we believe.

    • Love: Act in charity and right actions.

    • Hope: Longing for the ultimate fulfillment in heaven through Jesus Christ's salvation.

Conclusion

  • Overall Themes: Salvation history is woven through the narratives of the Bible, demonstrating God's continuous relationship with humanity, ultimately leading to the establishment of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. Each character and story contributes to understanding this intricate tapestry of faith, hope, and redemption.