Introduction
The history of our salvation and redemption in Jesus Christ makes it easier to understand who people are in this world and what they were created to be. The creation and fall of man mark the beginning of the history of salvation. Since the whole history of salvation depends on Christ and the cross, Christ is the key to interpretation. He is the source of all things before and after him.
Baptism
The baptism of the Lord is important because it confirms the identity of Jesus as the Son of God and marks the beginning of his ministry. This event is described in the Gospel of Mark: the baptism of Christ simultaneously reveals all three members of the Trinity: the child is purified by water, the nature of God descends, and the Father speaks from heaven. Jesus decided to be baptized, fulfilling all righteousness and preparing to be our perfect sacrifice. Matthew’s record confirms this, so it is right for us to fulfill all righteousness. Fellowship with Christ, who is life and gives eternal love that transcends death, means belonging to the circle or family of God. In the Old Testament, this rite of washing with water to achieve ritual purity was often performed. The reason for immersion is an important stage of obedience in the life of a devotee, but only as an external confirmation or declaration of a previously purified experience of salvation.
One’s faith and belief in the gospel are publicly recognized through baptism. Furthermore, it represents sinners in the community of believers. Water baptism of believers is an act of obedience. Repentance, which translates to change, should come first; this change is turning away from our selfishness and sin and serving the Lord. It requires surrendering all our possessions, past, and pride to the Lord.
Transfiguration
This event is important to the life and ministry of Jesus because it shows how he fulfilled the writings of the Old Testament and revealed his divinity. The presence of Moses and Elijah proves that Jesus fulfilled the law and the prophets. The Levitical Law was given to God’s people in the Old Testament as a temporary law, indicating their need for a Savior. Jesus was the only one who could fulfill the law by offering a sinless and perfect sacrifice. Since he will soon overcome sin and death and be resurrected in the full glory they have just seen, there is a reason for hope.
Passion
The story of the arrest, trial, and suffering of Jesus Christ is known as the Passion. Tyranny, doubt, fear, torture, and finally, a humiliating death. The cross shows the final suffering of Christ on the cross and is the most famous representation of the Passion. Spiritually, the Passion is an excellent example of misery, a central theme of Christianity. Jesus’ death showed the world that God is a true man, ready to endure all human suffering, even death. Although Jesus initially showed hesitation and human fear, he completely agreed with God’s will. The main theme is Christ’s victory over death.
The Eucharist, which includes services such as Holy Communion, Mass, and Communion, was instituted when Jesus blessed the wine and gave it to his disciples after the meal. Although different Christian denominations consider and understand the Eucharist differently, they all have their origins in the Last Supper. Crossroads brings together many Christian beliefs: the idea that life is a journey; as a means of our transfer from earth to our true abode in heaven; His followers must carry their cross daily to follow the Lord.
The Resurrection
The Christian message emphasizes the resurrection of Jesus. Unfortunately, church services can only be dedicated to the empty tomb on Easter. Jesus’ preaching would have ended in failure and disappointment if there had been no resurrection. Because it is the essence of redemption, the resurrection marks the end of the Passion in each of the four Gospels. Christians should think about it more, as life would have no hope without the resurrection. A clear message was sent through the resurrection that He was God’s mighty Son. The resurrection shows that people are saved from sins by the blood of the new covenant of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus reunited those who were scattered with his followers. Even today, the same powerful revival message can still turn skeptics into followers. There is no example of how to live a sacrificial life without resurrection.
Ascension
The Christian belief that Jesus was glorified and exalted after his death and resurrection, and the His homecoming to the Father, is the origin of the Ascension. Jesus incarnates and reveals the contradictions of the life of the cross, showing that the selfish life is poor and that the true rich life can only be found when a person dies for his good. For that reason, the Gospel of John emphasizes the new relationship between Jesus and his Father and between him and his followers instead of moving directly from earth to heaven through Jesus’ words and his later appearances. According to the book of Acts, Jesus was brought before them and then hidden by a cloud, a common biblical image of God’s presence.
Pentecost
The Jewish holiday of Pentecost was originally celebrated to give thanks for the first fruits of the wheat harvest. Later, however, it was associated with remembering the law that God gave Moses on Mount Sinai. The followers who believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit to Jesus are the first fruits of the new system, which fulfills and inherits the old legal system, associated with the conversion of Jewish celebrations to Christian ones by the church (Goldsworthy, 2018). In the Roman Catholic Church, Rogation Days are days of special prayer for harvest. The major Rogation takes place on April 25, while the Minor Rogation takes place three days before Ascension Day.
Triumphant Return
God never misses an opportunity to use powerful examples throughout the Bible. Jesus riding this humble animal is well known and reveals much about the character and mission of Christ. If they went to war, the leaders went; if they rode to go in peace, they rode donkeys. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah. Angels will fulfil the universal peace announced by that humble king. Jesus proved that he was the one who came to carry our burden and save us. Remember, Mary was a poor pregnant woman transported from Nazareth to Bethlehem on a donkey. This fragile beast of burden gives the image of a world hero. During Jesus’ life, he embraced the oppressed, the weak, and the poor. Christ’s gentle and direct description of the Good Samaritan shows his love and compassion.
Conclusion
Understanding God’s actions and interactions with humans throughout history reveals God’s inner truth. On the other hand, knowing who God is revealed all, He has done to save us. All the extraordinary work and mission of the Church are based on the history of salvation. Understanding who we were in the past and what we will be at the end of time is important, as it reveals interpretive insights into the mysteries of the human condition. The history of our salvation shows who we are as human beings.
Reference
Goldsworthy, G. (2018). How Do We Preach Christ from the Old Testament? A Response to Daniel Block, Elliott Johnson, and Vern Poythress. The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, 22(3), 117-128.