Faith is a certain foretaste of that knowledge which is to make us happy in the life to come. The Apostle says, in Hebrews 11:1, that faith is “the substance of things to be hoped for,” as though implying that faith is already, in some preliminary way, inaugurating in us the things that are to be hoped for, that is, future beatitude. Our that this beatific knowledge has to do with Lord has taught us two truths, namely, the divinity of the Blessed Trinity and the humanity of Christ. That is why, addressing the Father, He says: “This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent” (John 17:3). All the knowledge imparted by faith turns about these two points, the divinity of the Trinity and the humanity of Christ. This should cause us no surprise: the humanity of Christ is the way by which we come to the divinity. Therefore, while we are still wayfarers, we ought to know the road leading to our goal. In the heavenly fatherland [patria - motherland Not fatherland - unfortunate translation] adequate thanks would not be rendered to God if men had no knowledge of the way by which they are saved. This is the meaning of our Lord’s words to His disciples: “And where I go you know, and the way you know” (John 14:4).
Three truths must be known about the divinity: first the unity of the divine essence, secondly the Trinity of persons, and thirdly the effects wrought by the divinity.
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I don't think that the above needs much explanation. The concepts are clear.
By faith, we are already experiencing some of what Heaven will be like. That future beatitude - future blessing - has already been inaugurated by the Lord Himself.
Of course, this is a mystery, but for the one who believes, it is very real. It is substance - the substance of things hoped for. It is not fantasy or wishful thinking. Taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8)
All the knowledge imparted by faith turns about these two points, the divinity of the Trinity and the humanity of Christ.
It is Christ who is the bridge, the road that leads to the goal of entering heaven. He is both God and man, so He can reunite people with their God. He can take man by one hand, as it were, and His Father by the other and reconcile them in His body.
Three truths must be known about the divinity: first the unity of the divine essence, secondly the Trinity of persons, and thirdly the effects wrought by the divinity.
These beliefs are essential to salvation. All Christians need to believe these basic doctrines.
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