Final answer:
The sacrifice in relation to Christ's saving work refers to Jesus Christ's death on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins, enabling eternal life in heaven, and is central to Christian theology. This act is commemorated during Holy Week and symbolized in the Eucharist.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of sacrifice in relation to Christ's saving work is central to Christian theology. It refers to Jesus Christ's death on the cross, which is seen as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity, making possible the reconciliation between God and humanity, and offering the possibility of eternal life in heaven. This sacrificial act is commemorated during Holy Week, specifically on Good Friday, and symbolized in the sacrament of the Eucharist.
The Passion or suffering of Christ includes his death and the events leading up to it, a period which signifies Christ's ultimate sacrifice. According to Christian belief, Christ is the second Adam, rectifying the original sin caused by the first Adam and Eve. His willing sacrifice serves as the antithesis to the original sin, leading to salvation.
Christianity draws parallels between the old and the New Testament, where events from the Hebrew Bible are seen as foreshadowing New Testament happenings. An example is the typology of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac compared to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. These typological connections are essential components of the Christian narrative and are often depicted in Christian art.
Ultimately, Christ's resurrection signifies the completion of this salvific event, and through the teachings of apostles and St. Paul, the notion that Christ's death was part of a divine plan was popularized, laying the foundation for what is now Christianity.