Salvation History Notes

Introduction to Salvation History

Salvation history is the pattern of events in human history in which God clearly reveals his presence and saving actions.
God’s saving hand has been at work in and through human history.

All human history is salvation history, meaning the one true God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—has been present and active in the lives of his people since the beginning of time.
In the unfolding of salvation history, God invites us into communion with the blessed Trinity.
Divine Revelation culminates in Jesus Christ.

Salvation history, as written about in the Scriptures, reveals God’s love for his people.
Every time we read or hear the Word of God, we are led ever deeper into the mystery and wonder of God.

God invited our first parents, Adam and Eve, into intimate communion with him when he created them.
Although God revealed his will and plan to Adam, Eve, Abraham, and Moses, humanity’s inclination to sin stood in the way of God’s plan.
The Israelites continued to turn away from the Covenant and the Law over and over.
In response, God revealed himself to the prophets, men like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.
God remains faithful to the Covenant even when the people of Israel do not.

Jesus Christ fully reveals God to us.
The Gospel of John uses the Greek word Logos (translated in English as “Word”) for Jesus Christ.
Because the Word is God, we read about the Word in the Old Testament even before he becomes human as described in the New Testament.
In the life of Jesus Christ, we see the glory of God.
In studying the life of Jesus Christ, who reveals the New Covenant, we come to know the fullness of salvation.

Jesus Christ commanded and entrusted the Apostles to herald to all people and all nations what they had heard and seen regarding the salvation of God.
This handing on, or transmission, of the truths Jesus Christ taught is known as Sacred Tradition.