Salvation History Overview

Salvation History

• Salvation history is God's plan to save humans from sin and bring them to eternal life, described in the Bible.
• Salvation history is divided into eight major periods.

Primeval History

• Stories of events before recorded history.
• Sin leads to death and destruction without God's help.
• God intervenes to help save humanity.

Patriarchs (and Matriarchs)

• Stories of God forming relationships with a chosen people.
• Patriarchs are male leaders responsible for tribal survival. Their authority was absolute.
• Matriarchs are the primary wives, leading and making decisions for women in the tribe.

Egypt and the Exodus

• Israelites enslaved in Egypt.
• God gives Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.
• Disobedience and loss of faith lead to forty years of wandering in the desert, except for Joshua and Caleb. Their children would enter the Promised Land.

Settling the Promised Land

• Israelites fight for control of the land, succeeding when they trust God, and failing when they do not.
• They eventually gain control.
• A cycle of trust and distrust repeats throughout their history.

Kingdoms of Judah and Israel

• The period of the monarchy (kings).
• Israelites desire a king.
• Many kings worshiped foreign gods and allowed injustice.

Exile and Return

• Despite prophets' warnings, Israelites turned away from God's covenant.
• God allowed their kingdoms to be conquered, and rulers overthrown.
• Greeks gained control of Israel.
• Despite their sins, God didn't abandon his chosen people.

Life of Jesus Christ

• Jesus is the complete and final revelation of God's saving plan.
• Jesus dies and is resurrected after three days.
• Resurrection affirms Jesus as the Son of God, the truth of his teachings, and the conquest of sin and death through Christ.
• Baptized believers in Jesus will share in his Resurrection.
• God's original plan for creation is fulfilled, anticipating the Kingdom of God (perfect goodness, harmony, love, and joy).

Early Christian Church

• Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Church growth after Jesus' ascension.
• Jesus instructs Apostles to spread the Good News to everyone.
• Christianity spreads throughout the Roman Empire, even to Rome.

Prophets, Judges, and Kings

• Prophets:
  • Spiritual leaders ("Word of the Lord").
  • Examples: Jonah, Daniel, Deborah, Isaiah, Elijah.
• Judges:
  • Leaders between Joshua and Saul.
  • Examples: Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon...Samson.
• Kings:
  • Examples: Solomon (also a prophet)
  • Representation of supernatural power and, potentially, divinity.

Sacraments

• Seven Sacraments in the Catholic Church.
  • Divided into three categories:
    • Initiation, Healing, and Service of Communion.

Sacraments of Initiation

• Baptism: New life in Christ, removes original sin, and gives a new birth in the Holy Spirit. The sign is the pouring of water.
• Confirmation: Seals the life in Jesus. The sign of confirmation is the laying on of hands, often by a bishop, and anointing with oil.
• Eucharist: Nourishes faith in Jesus Christ. Signifies the body and blood of Christ, using bread and wine.

Sacraments of Healing

• Reconciliation/Penance: Forgiveness of sins. Signs are sorrow for sins, confession, and absolution by a priest.
• Anointing of the Sick: Unites sick person's suffering with Jesus and brings forgiveness of sins. Sign is anointing with oil and prayer.

Sacraments at the Service of Communion

• Holy Orders: Ordination of priests, deacons, and bishops.
• Matrimony: Man and woman united as a sign of Jesus's union with the Church. Sign is the couple's consent and wedding rings.

Process for Moral Decision Making

• Four steps: See, Judge, Act, Evaluate.

Prayer Types

• Adoration and Blessing: Praise and honor to God.
• Petition: Asking God for something.
• Praise: Glory to God for attributes.
• Thanksgiving: Thanks to God.
• Intercession: Prayer for others.

Love

• Types of love: Agape, Philia, Eros, Hetaireia, Storge
• Agape: Selfless love, caring for others without expectation.
• Philia: Affectionate love, friendship.
• Eros: Physical, passionate love.
• Hetaireia: Love for an associate in collaborative experiences.
• Storge: Familial love.

Christ-like Love

• Qualities of Christ-like love: desires good for the other, accepts emotions, is generous, patient and forgiving, unaffected by illness or ugliness.
• The cross symbolizes Christ-like love.
• This is a decision and not just an emotion.

Forgiveness and Mercy

• Scripture references for forgiveness and mercy.

Key Terms

• Definitions provided for key terms.