Questions
Copy these questions into an email, provide brief answers, and send to Fr Charles who will comment on them. After you have received you comments, then you can go onto the next lesson.
Questions for Lesson 9: Redemption
Understanding Redemption
1. What does it mean to be saved according to Orthodox Christianity?
2. How does the Orthodox view of redemption differ from a purely legalistic understanding of salvation?
The Incarnation and Its Role in Salvation
3. Why is the Incarnation essential for our salvation?
4. How does Christ’s union of divinity and humanity in His person benefit us?
5. How does Christ show us how to live in union with God?
The Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension
6. Why was the Incarnation alone not enough, and Christ needed to die on the Cross?
7. How does Christ’s Resurrection provide victory over death and the devil?
8. What is the significance of Christ’s Ascension and Pentecost for our salvation?
The Meaning of Ransom and Sacrifice
9. How does the Orthodox Church understand the term “ransom” in relation to Christ’s death?
10. Why do the Church Fathers reject the idea that Christ’s death was a payment to the Devil or the Father?
11. What does Christ’s sacrifice teach us about God’s love for humanity?
The Role of the Church in Redemption
12. What role does the Church play in the process of salvation?
13. How does participation in the sacraments contribute to our redemption and union with God?
14. Why is the Church referred to as a “spiritual hospital”?
Personal Salvation and Synergia
15. How do general and personal salvation differ?
16. What is the role of free will in personal salvation?
17. How do faith and works cooperate in the process of personal salvation?
The Work of the Holy Spirit and Our Efforts
18. How does the Holy Spirit help us overcome sin and achieve union with God?
19. What is meant by “walking according to the Spirit”?
20. How do we cultivate spiritual purity and a life in Christ through the Holy Spirit?
Resurrection and Our Hope
21. Why is Christ’s Resurrection considered the foundation of Orthodox faith?
22. How did the Resurrection change the lives of the Apostles and early Christians?
23. What is the significance of Pascha, and how does it shape the Christian understanding of eternal life?
Faith and Works in Salvation
24.How do faith and works complement each other in the Orthodox understanding of salvation?
25. Why does salvation require purification of the soul and cooperation with God’s grace?
26. What role does ascetic practice play in the journey toward theosis?