How has Jesus set us free?

[myway22883]

In teaching my CRE 7th graders, I am trying to emphasize the importance of Jesus through objective statements of what His Coming achieved. Obviously, the first statement is “He freed us from Original Sin.” But what does this really mean? For one, I know it means we can now enter into Heaven. What else can I add to that?

If I were to say “He has enabled us to not sin”, I believe that isn’t true because due to our fallen nature, it is impossible for us to be sinless.

If I were to say “He brought God to everyone”, I believe that isn’t true because non-Jews could enter into the Chosen Race through circumcision.

If I were to say “He showed us how to truly live as a child of God”, I believe that is true, but its impact is diminished because there were Holy Jews who lived virtuous lives before Christ.

So basically, other than opening the doors to Heaven (which is no small thing!) is there anything else I can distincitively cite?

Thanks!

 

[laszlo]

He was a Son of God, who became one of US, and thus made us the children of God. Through him, and fore Him God loves us as his children.

Naturally this does not takes our freedom, we can say no to God’s love.

 

[surritter]

Jesus didn’t free us from the desire to sin – that’s called concupiscence. But He freed us from the shackles that bind us when we die. Before He came, those who died (even if they repented of all their sins) were still denied the beatific vision simply because of Adam’s fall. Jesus severed those shackles.

Plus, we can offer His death and resurrection as a sacrifice to God for our sins and for other needs – think about the intentions we present publicly and privately to God during Mass. So in addition to opening up Heaven, Jesus also gives us a truly perfect channel for grace from God and petition to God.

 

[bluelake]

In teaching my CRE 7th graders, I am trying to emphasize the importance of Jesus through objective statements of what His Coming achieved. Obviously, the first statement is “He freed us from Original Sin.” But what does this really mean? For one, I know it means we can now enter into Heaven. What else can I add to that?

If I were to say “He has enabled us to not sin”, I believe that isn’t true because due to our fallen nature, it is impossible for us to be sinless.

If I were to say “He brought God to everyone”, I believe that isn’t true because non-Jews could enter into the Chosen Race through circumcision.

If I were to say “He showed us how to truly live as a child of God”, I believe that is true, but its impact is diminished because there were Holy Jews who lived virtuous lives before Christ.

So basically, other than opening the doors to Heaven (which is no small thing!) is there anything else I can distincitively cite?

Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
PS.103;12
Do you know him?

God bless,
bluelake

Thanks!

 

[bluelake]

In teaching my CRE 7th graders, I am trying to emphasize the importance of Jesus through objective statements of what His Coming achieved. Obviously, the first statement is “He freed us from Original Sin.” But what does this really mean? For one, I know it means we can now enter into Heaven. What else can I add to that?

If I were to say “He has enabled us to not sin”, I believe that isn’t true because due to our fallen nature, it is impossible for us to be sinless.

If I were to say “He brought God to everyone”, I believe that isn’t true because non-Jews could enter into the Chosen Race through circumcision.

If I were to say “He showed us how to truly live as a child of God”, I believe that is true, but its impact is diminished because there were Holy Jews who lived virtuous lives before Christ.

So basically, other than opening the doors to Heaven (which is no small thing!) is there anything else I can distincitively cite?

Thanks!

Our salvation is based on our relationship with Christ.
Do you know him?

bluelake

 

[mark_avery]

Free from freedom of choice.

 

[fhansen]

In teaching my CRE 7th graders, I am trying to emphasize the importance of Jesus through objective statements of what His Coming achieved. Obviously, the first statement is “He freed us from Original Sin.” But what does this really mean? For one, I know it means we can now enter into Heaven. What else can I add to that?

If I were to say “He has enabled us to not sin”, I believe that isn’t true because due to our fallen nature, it is impossible for us to be sinless.

If I were to say “He brought God to everyone”, I believe that isn’t true because non-Jews could enter into the Chosen Race through circumcision.

If I were to say “He showed us how to truly live as a child of God”, I believe that is true, but its impact is diminished because there were Holy Jews who lived virtuous lives before Christ.

So basically, other than opening the doors to Heaven (which is no small thing!) is there anything else I can distincitively cite?

Thanks!

The Spirit of God originally dwelled within man. Man severed this relationship by dethroning God from His rightful position as mans leader in all things moral. God gave man that choice, which is an essential aspect of our free will. IOW, man became his own god and God was no longer the God of him, for all practical purposes. This unnatural situation-this offense against nature-is the life we’re born into now in this world, exiled from the creator and lover of our souls.

The Old Covenant teaches us that freedom from sin is not accomplished by merely attempting to obey on ones own, by merely putting on a cloak of righteousness by outward obedience to the letter of the Law. The New Covenant means that God writes His laws on our hearts and in our minds (Jer 31), becoming our righteousness again by being re-enthroned as the leader of man so man can obey by the Spirit, rather than by the letter. This is an interior change, meaning the Kingdom of God is within us, the Holy Spirit indwelling again. There is simply no other way for man to be obedient-to be just- except for this loving relationship between himself and God, which is why the first and greatest commandment is what it is. Otherwise we remain in our sins, still going our own way like the Prodigal, enslaved to whatever attracts our attention this way or that, determining our own morality, which is what makes all sin possible.

Jesus’ atonement is what opens the door to reconciliation with God, to this restored relationship where the universe is put back in order again.

 

[bluelake]

In teaching my CRE 7th graders, I am trying to emphasize the importance of Jesus through objective statements of what His Coming achieved. Obviously, the first statement is “He freed us from Original Sin.” But what does this really mean? For one, I know it means we can now enter into Heaven. What else can I add to that?

If I were to say “He has enabled us to not sin”, I believe that isn’t true because due to our fallen nature, it is impossible for us to be sinless.

If I were to say “He brought God to everyone”, I believe that isn’t true because non-Jews could enter into the Chosen Race through circumcision.

If I were to say “He showed us how to truly live as a child of God”, I believe that is true, but its impact is diminished because there were Holy Jews who lived virtuous lives before Christ.

So basically, other than opening the doors to Heaven (which is no small thing!) is there anything else I can distincitively cite?

Thanks!

The Bible clearly tels us, “No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Who said this?

bluelake

 

[bluelake]

Free from freedom of choice.

Yes, Christ has given us the gift of ‘choice’
He has also given us his Holy Word to read. This can help us make the right choice. along with the holy Spirit he has given to all beleivers. See Jn.15:26, Jn.14:6, 15-18, 23-28

God bless,
bluelake

 

[mark_avery]

Yes, Christ has given us the gift of ‘choice’
He has also given us his Holy Word to read. This can help us make the right choice. along with the holy Spirit he has given to all beleivers. See Jn.15:26, Jn.14:6, 15-18, 23-28

God bless,
bluelake

He said i have come not to bring peace but ect, Our Lord would only do what he saw his father do.
so then, if you listen & hear,then act is it then really your choice.

The great & terrible return, do you truly believe his manifestation was not that anyway or could not of been!

 

[SouthpawLink]

In teaching my CRE 7th graders, I am trying to emphasize the importance of Jesus through objective statements of what His Coming achieved. Obviously, the first statement is “He freed us from Original Sin.” But what does this really mean? For one, I know it means we can now enter into Heaven. What else can I add to that?

If I were to say “He has enabled us to not sin”, I believe that isn’t true because due to our fallen nature, it is impossible for us to be sinless.

If I were to say “He brought God to everyone”, I believe that isn’t true because non-Jews could enter into the Chosen Race through circumcision.

If I were to say “He showed us how to truly live as a child of God”, I believe that is true, but its impact is diminished because there were Holy Jews who lived virtuous lives before Christ.

So basically, other than opening the doors to Heaven (which is no small thing!) is there anything else I can distincitively cite?

Thanks!

The Son of God became man for our salvation, that is, to redeem us, and also regained for us “the right to be children (and friends) of God and heirs of heaven,” as well as to become “temples of the Holy Ghost” and “holy and pleasing to God.” He merited for us all of the supernatural graces (habitual and actual) that we receive, principally in the Sacraments. He also delivered us from the salvery of the devil.

While we cannot be completely free from sin (unless given a unique privilege from God), we do have many more helps (the sacraments, sacramentals, evangelical counsels, etc.) than did the saints of the Old Testament. And then of course we have the most perfect sacrifice with which to worship the Lord our God and from which to gain grace and have our sins forgiven: the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. There is nothing better on this whole earth than the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; one Holy Mass is worth more than the prayers of all the angels and saints combined (cf. St. Leonard of Port Maurice).

Since Our Lord opened heaven, we now have a whole host saints, especially the Immaculate Mother of God, Mary ever virgin, to intercede for us on our behalf.

If I can think of anything else, I’ll post again… God bless!

 

[GlendaTheGood]

Jesus didn’t free us from the desire to sin – that’s called concupiscence. But He freed us from the shackles that bind us when we die. Before He came, those who died (even if they repented of all their sins) were still denied the beatific vision simply because of Adam’s fall. Jesus severed those shackles.

Plus, we can offer His death and resurrection as a sacrifice to God for our sins and for other needs – think about the intentions we present publicly and privately to God during Mass. So in addition to opening up Heaven, Jesus also gives us a truly perfect channel for grace from God and petition to God.

Seventh graders are not going to understand this. I don’t understand it. They are going to want facts, not faith.

 

[SouthpawLink]

Seventh graders are not going to understand this. I don’t understand it. They are going to want facts, not faith.

I think it could be explained to seventh graders (after all, The New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism, No. 2, was used by middle school students, and it uses theological terms). Heaven was ‘closed’ (no one before the time of Jesus could enter into it) until Christ died and rose again. Up to that time, the souls of all the just were resting in limbo. And in a sense, the Faith is made up of facts (true doctrinal propositions).

 

[surritter]

Seventh graders are not going to understand this. I don’t understand it. They are going to want facts, not faith.

Glenda, I presumed I was writing to an adult teacher, who can then take the concept and present it to the kiddies is a way that they’ll understand. That will be a lot better than doing the felt banners like when I was it 7th grade CCD!

 

[weepixie71]

I explain Christ’s death and Resurrection this way: Christ saved everyone from original sin so we could join Him in His Glory in Heaven.
However!!! These people have got to want His salvation through the gift of free-will.

 

[GlendaTheGood]

I think it could be explained to seventh graders (after all, The New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism, No. 2, was used by middle school students, and it uses theological terms). Heaven was ‘closed’ (no one before the time of Jesus could enter into it) until Christ died and rose again. Up to that time, the souls of all the just were resting in limbo. And in a sense, the Faith is made up of facts (true doctrinal propositions).

“Heaven was closed.” Heaven. Was. Closed.

That’s mind-blowing. And I find it suspect. It says Jesus’ crucifixion, death and arising from the dead outshines the supremacy of God. NO ONE from the Old Testament had any hope of eternally resting in the sunlight of God? What about those who followed Jesus but did not live long enough to “benefit” from His death on the cross?

I was raised on Baltimore Catechism and have since encountered a few erudite individuals who have told me the version used in the 1960s was nothing like the original Baltimore Catechism from the late 1800s. What’s a sinner to believe?

 

[SouthpawLink]

“Heaven was closed.” Heaven. Was. Closed.

That’s mind-blowing. And I find it suspect. It says Jesus’ crucifixion, death and arising from the dead outshines the supremacy of God. NO ONE from the Old Testament had any hope of eternally resting in the sunlight of God? What about those who followed Jesus but did not live long enough to “benefit” from His death on the cross?

I was raised on Baltimore Catechism and have since encountered a few erudite individuals who have told me the version used in the 1960s was nothing like the original Baltimore Catechism from the late 1800s. What’s a sinner to believe?

I wasn’t implying that there weren’t any righteous people before Christ. What I was saying was that those righteous people had to wait for Christ to release them from their state of rest (Sheol/Hades) so that they could enter into heaven. The original Baltimore Catechism teaches:

“God did not abandon man after he fell into sin, but promised him a Redeemer, who was to satisfy for man’s sin and reopen to him the gates of heaven” (Baltimore Catechism No. 2, Less. 7, Q. 60: 1885).

ourladyswarriors.org/faith/bc2.htm

“Because Christ also died once for our sins, the just for the unjust: that he might offer us to God, being put to death indeed in the flesh, but enlivened in the spirit, in which also coming he preached to those spirits that were in prison” (1 Peter 3:18-19).