ARK - Assessment of Religious Knowledge Salvation History Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best defines 'Salvation History'?
- A historical account of the lives of the saints and their miracles.
- The story of God's saving plan for humanity as it unfolds in the events of human history. (Correct answer)
- A collection of moral laws and ethical teachings found exclusively in the New Testament.
- The political history of the nation of Israel from its founding to its destruction by the Romans.
Correct answer: The story of God's saving plan for humanity as it unfolds in the events of human history.
Salvation History is the overarching story of God's actions and interventions in human history to bring about humanity's salvation from sin and death. It encompasses the entire biblical narrative, from Creation to the life of Jesus Christ and the ongoing story of the Church.
Question 2: A student studying the Old Testament is focusing on God's promise to Abraham of numerous descendants and a land of their own. This foundational event is an example of which key element of Salvation History?
- The Incarnation
- The Paschal Mystery
- A Covenant (Correct answer)
- The Protoevangelium
Correct answer: A Covenant
God's relationship with humanity throughout Salvation History is marked by a series of covenants, which are sacred family bonds. The promise to Abraham is one of the most significant covenants, establishing a special relationship between God and his chosen people.
Question 3: The central and ultimate event in all of Salvation History, fulfilling all the promises of the Old Testament, is:
- The Exodus from Egypt
- The life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Correct answer)
- The anointing of David as King
- The giving of the Law to Moses at Mount Sinai
Correct answer: The life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
The Incarnation, ministry, Passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the climax of Salvation History. It is the definitive act of God's saving plan, through which humanity is redeemed from sin and offered eternal life.
Question 4: All of the following are major periods or events in Salvation History prior to the birth of Christ EXCEPT:
- The establishment of the monarchy with King Saul and King David
- Pentecost and the birth of the Church (Correct answer)
- The Babylonian Exile
- The creation of the world and the Fall of Adam and Eve
Correct answer: Pentecost and the birth of the Church
Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles, occurs 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It marks the beginning of the Church's mission to the world and is part of the final stage of Salvation History, not a period prior to Christ.
Question 5: What is the term for God's first promise of a redeemer, given in the Book of Genesis (3:15) immediately after the Fall of Adam and Eve?
- The Beatitudes
- The Decalogue
- The Protoevangelium (Correct answer)
- The Magnificat
Correct answer: The Protoevangelium
The Protoevangelium, meaning 'first gospel,' refers to Genesis 3:15 where God curses the serpent and promises that the offspring of the woman will crush its head. This is seen by the Church as the first announcement of the coming of a Messiah and redeemer.
Question 6: After the Ascension of Jesus, how does Salvation History continue to unfold in the world?
- It concluded and is now only a historical record.
- Through the private revelations given to individual mystics.
- Through the life and mission of the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit. (Correct answer)
- It is on hold until the Second Coming.
Correct answer: Through the life and mission of the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Salvation History did not end with the Ascension. It continues through the era of the Church. The Holy Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, guides the Church in its mission to spread the Gospel and administer the sacraments, continuing Christ's saving work in the world until he comes again.
