Christian Beliefs Flashcards
Define salvation
To be saved from sin and its consequences and to be granted eternal life with God. (It repairs the damage caused by sin which separated people from God)
Define grace
A quality of God which God shows to humans by providing love and support which we don’t need to earn
Define atonement
Restoring the relationship between people and God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus
Explain 2 ways of salvation
Salvation through works-earn their place in Heaven through actions eg parable of prodigal son.
Salvation through grace-salvation is given freely by God through faith in Jesus(the Holy Spirit gives grace to Christians+continues to guide them in their daily lives to help achieve salvation)
Why is Jesus’ crucifixion important?
Gives hope to Christians their sins will be forgiven if they sincerely repent; Christians believe God understands human suffering because Jesus, who is God, experienced it; accept that suffering is a part of life as it was a part of Jesus’ life
Significance of the resurrection for Christians today
Shows power of good over evil and life over death; means Christians sins will be forgiven if they follow God’s laws; means Christians will be resurrected if they accept Jesus, so there’s no need to fear death
Significance of the ascension for Christians today
Shows Jesus is with God in heaven; paves the way for God to send the Holy Spirit to provide comfort and guidance
Points against the belief in bodily resurrection
Science shows body decays after death so not possible; stories about resurrection can be exaggerated; disciples may have felt his presence spiritually not seen him physically
Points for the belief in bodily resurrection
Jesus rose form the dead and appeared to disciples; gospels insist he wasn’t a ghost
Give Christian beliefs about the afterlife
They’ll be resurrected and receive eternal life after they die; its a gift from God and dependent on faith in God; they’ll be judged at some point and either be rewarded or punished by being sent to hell; judgement either happens soon after they die or on the Day of Judgement
Give Christian beliefs about judgement
After they die they’ll be judged on their behaviour and actions during their lifetime as well as their faith in Jesus; parable of Sheep and the Goats teaches Christians that in serving others they’re also serving Jesus and this is how they should live their lives
Describe the role of Jesus in salvation
1) Jesus’ crucifixion made up for original sin of Adam and Eve
2)death was neeeded to restore the relationship between God and believers to bring them salvation
3) shows the goodness of Jesus defeated evil of sin
4) jesus’ resurrection means humans can now receive forgiveness for their sins
