“And when Jesus took the vinegar, said: It is consummate.

And, leaning his head, he delivered the spirit."

(John 19:30)

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       The religions, understood as the set of cultural systems, world views, and popular beliefs, seek to establish some relationship between humanity and the spirituality of the human being, either through symbols or sacred traditions, giving meaning, or explaining the origin of life and of the universe. Because it includes issues, such parties sacred, worship of gods, prayer, service, among others, the religion is often used as a synonym for faith (belief).

 

     Referring to the christian faith (christianity), specifically, the Holy Bible has the answer to all questions presented, in the sense of firmness in the faith. Be it the question of parties sacred, worship, prayer and services. If not, let us look at the issue of sacred parties (example of Easter and Pentecost).

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      The pentecost, agricultural party of the Old Testament, in which the first fruits produced on earth were offered to God, celebrating the harvest. Thus, the Old Testament pointed to the Pentecost of the New Testament, the great harvest, grace of Salvation in Jesus.

 

       The term Pentecost is Greek, meaning “50 th day later”, ending Easter celebrations, another sacred feast of christianity. According to the christian faith, Easter and the celebration the resurrection of Jesus, celebration of life, in which Pentecost is the crowning of life in Jesus.

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“And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, and your faith is also in vain ."

(1 Corinthians 15: 17)

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       The true meaning of Christ's victory lies in the resurrection of Jesus, crowned on the day of Pentecost, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the great watershed, establishing  the difference between christianity and religions, is the resurrection of Jesus.

 

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind, came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire  that separated and came to rest on each of them.  AII l of them where filled with the Holy Spirit and  began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

(Acts 2:1-4)

 

       Concluding with a reflection on the expression of Jesus' nobility on the cross, consummating the work of Salvation, however, it is emphasized that God's Plan for Salvation in Jesus Christ is a matter of faith..

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“The expression of Jesus' nobility, consummating the work of Salvation (death on a cross): Expression of victory, in the certainty of the sacrifice having been accepted by God.”

(Extracted from the book, Cristology at your Reach, 2010)

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We are the righteousness of God, in Christ.

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Manoel Lúcio da Silva Neto is master in Production Engineering (Media and Knowledge), author of the book, Cristology at your Reach, 2010.