What event completed God's plan of salvation?

• A. Pentecost
• B. The Incarnation
• C. The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
• D. Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that salvation is accomplished through the Paschal Mystery—the life, Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus. Through his suffering and death, sin is atoned and humanity is reconciled with God. His Resurrection proves that death is conquered and new life with God is possible. The Ascension then completes Jesus’ earthly mission and makes it possible for the Holy Spirit to be sent, empowering and guiding the Church to live out this salvation. While Pentecost and the Spirit’s coming are essential for continuing and sharing in this work, they rest on what has already been accomplished in the Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. The Incarnation begins the plan, but the entire sequence of this Paschal Mystery is what brings salvation to fulfillment.