Divine Revelation Through Salvation History: God’s Big Reveal

In the Catholic faith, we believe that God reveals Himself to us in many profound ways. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 56-64), God’s self-revelation unfolds through creation, His Word, and ultimately through Jesus Christ. To truly understand who God is and His plan for us, we look at salvation history—a divine narrative that shows God's ongoing effort to bring us back into communion with Him.

How Does God Reveal Himself?

Through Creation:

The universe around us is a testament to God’s greatness and love. Everything we see—the stars, the oceans, the mountains—speaks of His divine power and beauty (CCC 59). When we observe creation, we catch a glimpse of God’s infinite wisdom and goodness.

Through His Word:

God reveals Himself more clearly through the Scriptures, where His love, promises, and plans are written down for us (CCC 64). The Bible is like a love letter from God, guiding us to know Him better.

Through Jesus Christ:

The pinnacle of God’s self-revelation is Jesus Christ. Jesus shows us what God is truly like—His mercy, compassion, and desire for our salvation (CCC 65). In Jesus, we see the perfect image of God's love made flesh.

Salvation History: God’s Big Reveal

Salvation history is the story of how God gradually reveals Himself and His plan to save us. It’s a series of covenants—divine agreements—that show God’s persistent love for His people. Let’s explore some key moments:

1. The Holy Couple: Adam & God

• Mediator: Adam

• Role: Husband

• Form: Marriage

• Sign: Sabbath (Rest)

God called Adam into a covenant of marriage with Eve, symbolizing unity and partnership. This relationship was blessed and set the stage for God's promise to deliver us from sin through the "seed" of the woman who would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). This initial covenant hints at Jesus, the ultimate Savior.

2. The Holy Family: Noah & God

• Mediator: Noah

• Role: Father

• Form: Household

• Sign: Rainbow

God promised Noah to preserve humanity after the flood and pledged never to wipe out life again. The rainbow stands as a sign of this everlasting covenant (Genesis 9:8-17). It reminds us of God's mercy and faithfulness.

3. The Holy Tribe: Abraham & God

• Mediator: Abraham

• Role: Chieftain

• Form: Tribe

• Sign: Circumcision

God promised Abraham a great nation, a land, and blessings to reach all nations through his descendants (Genesis 12:1-3, 22:16-18). Abraham’s faith and obedience make him a key figure in God's plan for salvation.

4. The Holy Nation: Moses & God

• Mediator: Moses

• Role: Judge

• Form: Nation

• Sign: Passover

God used Moses to free the Israelites from Egypt and establish them as a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6). The Passover sign reminds us of God’s power to save and His covenant with His people.

5. The Holy Kingdom: David & God

• Mediator: David

• Role: King

• Form: Kingdom/Dynasty

• Sign: Throne

God promised David an everlasting throne, establishing a kingdom that would unite all nations under one ruler—a prefiguration of Christ’s eternal kingship (2 Samuel 7:8-19).

6. The Holy Catholic Apostolic Church: Jesus & God

• Mediator: Jesus

• Role: Royal High Priest

• Form: Catholic Church

• Sign: Eucharist

In Jesus, God fulfilled all previous promises. Jesus ratified the New Covenant by offering His life—His flesh and blood—so that all humanity could be united as one family in Him. The Church is the continuation of this divine family, built on the foundation of Christ (CCC 65).

The Role of Prayer and Response

God initiates our relationship with Him. Our response begins with prayer—talking and listening to God. Throughout salvation history, figures like Abraham, Moses, and David demonstrated the importance of prayer. Jesus continues to teach us how to pray and deepen our relationship with God.

Jesus: The New Adam and Mary: The New Eve

Jesus is often called the "New Adam" because His obedience restores what Adam’s disobedience broke. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus destroys the power of death and Satan, offering us eternal life (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Mary, the "New Eve," models perfect obedience. When she said, "Let it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), she reversed Eve’s disobedience. Saints like St. Irenaeus and St. Jerome highlight how Mary’s faith and obedience undo the effects of original sin, bringing life instead of death.

Why Is Salvation History Important?

Salvation history is more than just a collection of stories; it’s a testament to God's unwavering love for us. It shows how God patiently reveals Himself, making His plan of salvation clear at each stage. Understanding this history helps us see how much God desires to be close to us and invites us into His divine family.

By reflecting on these divine revelations and covenants, we grow in faith and gratitude for God's incredible love and mercy. Salvation history reminds us that we are part of God's ongoing story—a story of love, redemption, and eternal life.