1. The Promise of Salvation Chapter 7

2. God reaches out to humankind God created us to be at one with him, each other, and all of creation. Free will- the freedom and ability to choose what to do. Sin- a thought, word, deed, or omission against God's law that harms us and our relationship with God and others.

3. The "fall" from God's frienship is found in the Book of Genesis. Adam & Eve committed the first sin, also known as original sin. -It allowed ignorance, suffering, and death into the world. God gave us the hope of salvation.

4. Throughout the Old Testament, people turned away from God; however, God offered renewed hope. Ex.) Cain killed his brother, Abel; God led the Israelities to the Promise Land (Canaan); God encouraged them to keep their covenant with Him through the prophets.

5. The Messiah The prophets reminded the Israelites that God had promised to send the Messiah to bring them forgiveness and salvation. In the Book of Isaiah, the Messiah is shown as a mighty king. - this king is a descendant of king David.

6. Immaculate Conception- God made Mary free from original sin and from all sin since the moment she was conceived. Annunciation- the announcement to Mary from the angel that she would be the mother of the Son of God and name him, Jesus. - Jesus means "God saves." -Mary praised God in a special prayer called, "The Magnificat." (Magnificat,means "praises." The Messiah, Jesus Christ, was going to come and save us from sin.