Key Concepts of Salvation and Sin

Study Notes

Angel: Spiritual and immortal being with intelligence and free will, dedicated to glorifying God and serving as His messenger in the salvation plan.
Discernment of Spirits: A practice for spiritual self-examination, focusing on recognizing the presence and influence of the Holy Spirit in one's life.
The Fall: Refers to the original sin committed by the first humans, marking a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative that illustrates the reality of sin in human history.
Grace: A divine gift from God enabling individuals to embrace their vocation and become His adopted children.
Hope: One of the three theological virtues, involving the desire and expectation of God's promises for the future.

Literary Genres: Diverse forms of expression in scripture, including history, hymns, letters, metaphors, similes, poetry, proverbs, parables, and songs, which enrich the interpretation of biblical texts.

New Adam: A term employed by St. Paul to represent Christ, elucidating His role in redeeming humanity from the consequences of Adam's sin.
New Eve: A designation for Mary, the Mother of Christ, symbolizing her important role in salvation history.

Original Sin: The disobedience of the first humans, resulting in the loss of original holiness and justice, along with the introduction of suffering and death into human experience.
Paradise: Represents the initial state of harmony and friendship with God experienced by the first humans prior to their fall from grace.

Paschal Mystery: Encompasses Christ's redemptive work through His suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension, which restores humanity's relationship with God.
Protoevangelium: The first Gospel found in Genesis 3:15 that foreshadows the coming of the Messiah and Redeemer.
Redeemer: Refers specifically to Jesus Christ, who achieved redemption for humanity through His sacrificial death, freeing individuals from sin.
Redemption: The process facilitated by Jesus' death on the cross, granting freedom from sin's bondage and restoring salvation.

Sanctifying Grace: A consistent gift of God's divine life, fostering a stable and supernatural disposition that allows individuals to live in communion with God and act in accordance with His love.

Sin: Defined as an offense against God, as well as a violation of truth and right conscience, impacting one's moral standing.
Soul: The essence of human consciousness and freedom, combining with the body to create a unique human nature.