salvation and redemption

Question 1

importance of jesus for salvation

Answer 1

• roman catholics believe God took human form in the person of jesus. this is called the incarnation which literally means ‘made flesh’
• god took this form so he could help repair the damage created by sin
• jesus showed god’s love for humanity through his actions. jesus cared for the poor, healed the sick and forgave sinners
• Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount taught his followers how they too could show the love of God

Question 2

importance of jesus’ death for salvation

Answer 2

• jesus provided salvation through his death on the cross
• catholics believe that jesus’ death was a sacrifice. just like the jewish people sacrificed a lamb at passover so that they could escape slavery in Egypt. Jesus became a sacrifice so humanity could escape from sin
• jesus referred to as the “lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world” (eucharistic prayer )jesus’ death provided redemption, it was an act that saved people from sin
• his sacrifice meant people could receive salvation and have eternal life with God

“by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free” eucharistic prayer

Question 3

importance of jesus’ resurrection and ascension for salvation

Answer 3

• jesus gave salvation through his resurrection. this is the belief that following j’ai death, jesus rose from the dead
• this event confirmed that jesus was the son of God and was omnipotent
• catholics believe if they accept jesus then they will also be resurrected and given salvation
• it was proof that life after death is possible and Jesus repaired the relationship between humans and god
• 40 days after his resurrection jesus is said to have ascended to heaven. this event was witnessed by his disciples. even provides salvation because jesus has repaired the relationship and reopened heaven for everyone

Question 4

would a loving god condemn anyone go hell?

Answer 4

• some argue that a loving god is right to condemn some to hell because humans have free will and choose their own actions. this means that it is right and just for god to judge them if they are sinful. god can offer salvation and redemption through jesus but it is up to the individual to accept the offer. jesus taught the parables with a clear message about reward and punishment and how people should act. some actions may be absolutely wrong and are beyond forgiveness. punishment is sometimes necessary
• some might argue that punishment and suffering does not fit with the belief that God is all loving. God’s love and mercy is unconditional. this means no one deserves to be punished for eternity jesus taught that we should forgive “not seven times, but seventy seven times”. jesus seems to teach a message of reform and redemption. no room for reform if a person is committed to an eternity in hell