Christian Beliefs Flashcards
Story of Job
People suffer as a test of their faith.
Good people suffer a lot because the devil wants to turn them from God.
(Job loses everything-his home, his family and gets a terrible skin disease. He questions his suffering with his friends and decides on the above)
Why do Christians believe that Jesus was the incarnation
Angel Gabriel says she will give birth to the “Son of the most High”.
Jesus performed miracles-walked on water-overturned nature.
Virgin birth-miracle.
Baptism God says “This is my son with whom I am well pleased.”
“My father, why hath you forsaken me?”
What happened in Holy Week
In the week up to his death, Jesus foretells his death at the last supper,
is betrayed to the Jewish high priests by Judas,
is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane by the Roman soldiers and Jewish high priests.
Is given an illegal trial at night by the high priests, handed over to Pontius Pilate, tried, chosen to die over Barabbas, Jesus was whipped and mocked by the roman soldiers. They drew lots over his clothes and gave him a crown of thorns.
Describe the crucifixion
Jesus was made to carry his cross and was helped by Simon of Cyrene. He was offered wine to drink but refused it. The Romans divided up his clothes by drawing lots
He was nailed to the cross and on the top they put “This is Jesus. King of the Jews”. Those below mocked him and asked him to save himself if he really was the son of God.
He was crucified between two thieves. As he dies, he cries out to God “Why have you forsaken me?” and he is offered wine vinegar. When he dies the earth shakes and the temple curtain comes down. Many women mourned him.
What is the atonement
This means to make humans and God one again. Christians believe that through Jesus’ death, he took the punishment for human sin so that God could be reconciled with humans again. Jesus was a sacrifice for the sins of humans.
Why is the incarnation important to Christians
Enabled God to atone for human sin - example of lamb in OT
“he was pierced for our transgressions”
“he gave his only son so that all who believed in him would have eternal life”
“this is my body which i shed for you”
God could understand human suffering.
- betrayal - Judas
- physical pain - thorns
- illegal trial
God could show humans the perfect way to behave through Jesus and his teaching e.g. love thy neighbour.
Why is the crucifixion important
Helped God to understand human suffering-went through it himself.
- “he was pierced for our sins”
“my father, why hath you forsaken me”
Showed God’s grace-suffered to save humans.”For God so loved the world he gave his only son.”
”So that all who believe in him may have eternal life.”
- link to atonement
- scapegoat in old testament
Showed Jesus was the incarnation -the tombs of the Holy men came open, there was an earthquake and the temple curtain came down.
Why is the atonement important
It shows God’s grace (love) because he sacrificed his son to bring humans back to him. “For God so loved the world….”
In bridging the gap between humans and God, Jesus opens the way to eternal life. “So all who believe in him may have eternal life.” “I am the way, the truth..no one can get to the Father except through me.”
He fulfils Old Testament prophecy as Isaiah predicts that there will be a suffering servant who will die for the sins of others. “He was pierced for our transgressions.”
Describe the resurrection
His tomb was found empty by three women-Mary, Mary the mother of James and Joanna
The women were told by Two angels-why do you look for the living amongst the dead.
In another account, Mary visits the tomb on her own and mistakes Jesus for gardener.
The disciples did not believe the women. Peter has to go and look in the tomb himself
Jesus appeared to the disciples and they only believed once he broke the bread and drunk the wine with them.
Doubting Thomas asks to see Jesus’ wounds.
In one account, there is an earthquake and the stone in front of the tomb rolls away.
St Paul says that Jesus appeared to five hundred women and men after he had appeared to the disciples.
What is the ascension
40 days after Jesus’ resurrection, he ascends into heaven in front of his disciples. He tells his disciples that they must spread the message of good news.
Why is the resurrection important
It shows Christians that Jesus has defeated death and so they can defeat death and have eternal life. It offers hope. “No one can get to the father except through me.” Jesus
It shows God’s grace (love) that he sacrificed his son to offer eternal life to humans. “For God so loved the world he gave his only son, so all who believe in him shall not perish but may have eternal life.” St John’s gospel.
Why is the ascension important
It shows that even though Jesus is no longer physically on earth, God’s spirit will still be with Christians. This was evidenced at the Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and gave them the strength to spread Jesus’ message.
It shows Jesus is waiting in heaven for Christians. This is affirmed in the Apostles’ creed, read out in church each week. “He is seated at the right hand of the Father”
- “he will come again to judge the living and the dead”
- “i believe in the forgiveness of sins, in the resurrection of the body and in life everlasting”
Characteristics of God and examples to support each
Omnipotent-Parts the red sea.
Omnibenevolent-Jesus includes the outcasts in his miracles-cures lepers and the blind.
Creator-Genesis 1 and 2.
Describe the trinity
Father-creates the universe and provides.
Son-Incarnation-is the sacrifice and bring atonement and eternal life.
Holy Spirit-brings gifts e.g. love, speaking in tongues. Its presence makes everything holy e.g.cleanses sin in baptism and holy communion.
Teachings that support the Trinity
Jesus’ baptism “This is my Son with whom I am well pleased.” Dove-holy spirit.
Jesus “I and the father are one.”
Jesus “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father”
Stated in the Nicene Creed.
