forgiveness and redemption (key beliefs)

Question 1

Bible teaching on forgiveness

Answer 1

• The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18) - we must forgive as we are forgiven (70 x 7)
• The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6)- ‘forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who sin against us’
• The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15)- God is the Father who forgives unconditionally; we must not be like the older son who cannot forgive
• Jesus on the cross “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23) is an example to us of how we too must forgive
• The woman caught in adultery (John 8) teaches us that we must forgive others and avoid hypocrisy “let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!

Question 2

How can catholics achieve salvation?

Answer 2

By belief in God and Jesus as the Son of God; following the teachings of Jesus; repenting for sin and receiving the Sacraments.

Question 3

How did Jesus’ death bring salvation?

Answer 3

Jesus is the ‘lamb’ of God whose sacrifice takes away sin. Jesus paid the price for human sin and restored the relationship between humans and God for all time. Those who believe in Jesus can achieve salvation so he is the saviour of the world.

Question 4

Can all people achieve salvation?

Answer 4

In the CCC it says ‘outside the Church there is no salvation’. However, Jesus brings salvation to all and others can achieve salvation by God’s grace. The most certain route to salvation is to be baptised and a practising Catholic. Some people, however can be ‘anonymous Christians’ if they do not know Jesus but behave in a Christ-like way. The gift of God’s grace is freely given but not forced. Humans have free will and hell is the consequence for those who choose not to accept God’s grace and salvation. God
does not condemn humans to hell, we choose our eternal destination by our choices in life