Redemption | Salvation  | Atonement

There are a number of different words that describe the mission of Jesus in the world.  They are pretty similar, except that there are subtle differences.  The word which some Christians prefer puts a "slant" on their understanding of the faith.

One of the oldest summaries of Christian faith is the "Apostles Creed"--used since the 4th century in preparing new believers for the rite of Baptism.  Perhaps you learned it in childhood.  But ironically, this ancient statement of faith does not say why Jesus came or why he died.

I believe in Jesus Christ, [God's] only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the thid day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

What was Jesus' purpose, his mission in this world?  Christians seem to have differences of opinion, and those differences alter the way they put their beliefs into practice.  Think of Fred Phelps.

Salvation

Redemption

Atonement

Enlightenment:  Spiritual Path