Expert: Edward Bode - 12/6/2010

Question
 Could you answer me how does an understanding of the eternal covenant  encourage one’s faith in God and encourage  one’s assurance of personal salvation.


Answer
Your question, Nicole, came in the Catholic category.  However, I am not aware of the idea of the eternal covenant [of the Trinity] having a recognized place in Catholic theology.
Catholic theology of the Trinity views the distinction among the three Persons as a relationship of origin [Father generates the Son; the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son].  I am not sure that the idea of a covenant accurately expresses that of the Trinitarian relationship.
For a more complete approach to the mystery of the Trinity, I recommend your reading paragraphs 249-267 of The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is available online at www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm
In Catholic belief, no one has an assurance of final perseverance.
We work out our salvation in reliance on God's will that all be saved, and in cooperation with His graces [especially through the Sacraments], and the merits of our good works performed while in the state of grace.  If you would like more on this topic, please feel free to write again.
Thanks for writing and best wishes, Nicole.