Christianity-Beliefs and Teachings Flashcards
What do Christians believe about God?
There is only one God
God is holy
God is the creator and sustainer of all that exists and people can have a relationship with him through prayer
Important quotes about the oneness of God
“We believe in one God” The Nicene Creed
“You shall have no other gods” Exodus 20:3 NIV
What characterises do Christians believe God possesses
Omnipotent Omnibenevolent Just Eternal Omniscient Transcendent Immanent
What are the problems of evil and suffering?
If God is omnibenevolent, why does God allow people to suffer and to hurt other?
If God is omnipotent, why does God not prevent evil and suffering, such as the suffering caused by natural disasters?
If God is just, why does God allow injustice to take place?
How does God show his benevolence, according to Christians?
By sending his son, Jesus to live among humans
Creating humans and caring for them
What are some of the things Christians say in response to the problems of evil and suffering?
Suffering was brought into God’s perfect world by Adam and Eve’s disobedience
It is the result of free will and is also a test of faith
God can always see the bigger picture so something may look bad in the moment but it could result it a much better thing later
Without suffering, people can’t show positive qualities such as compassion
What is the role of God the Father?
The creator of the world and the ruler of heaven and hell
Important quotes about the Trinity
“For there are three; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” John 5:7
How does the belief in creation by God influence Christians today?
They value every human being as a creation of God
They believe people should look after the natural world
What is the creation story according to Genesis?
God creates the world in 6 days. Day 1: Light and darkness Day 2: Sky Day 3: Oceans, land and plants Day 4: Sun, moon and stars Day 5: Creatures of water and sky Day 6: Land animals and humans Day 7: God rested
Important quotes about the creation story
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth” Genesis 1:1
“God said let there be light’ and there was light” Genesis 1:3
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was with God” John 1:1
What is the incarnation?
Mary was made pregnant by the Holy Spirit through a miracle
The virgin conception is evidence for the Christian belief that Jesus was the Son of God, part of the Trinity
Quotes about the incarnation
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (shows that Jesus was God)
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit” (Jesus was born to a virgin)
Important quotes about Jesus’ crucifixion
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (This shows Jesus was fully human as well as being fully God and therefore felt pain and can understand humans)
Why is Jesus’ crucifixion important to Christians?
Jesus’ sacrifice gives hope that their sins will be forgiven if they sincerely repent
God understands human suffering because he himself experience it through Jesus
Christians accept that suffering is part of life
Without the crucifixion he wouldn’t have risen from the dead (the resurrection)
What was the resurrection of Jesus?
Some of Jesus’ followers went to go anoint Jesus’ body but when they went, his body was not there
Either a man or two men, who may have been angels, told the women that Jesus had risen from the dead
Over the next few days, Jesus appeared in front of several people
What are some quotes about the resurrection of Jesus?
“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead…For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive”
This quote says that if the resurrection had not happened, Christianity would have never existed because it showed the divine nature of Jesus. Had it not happened Jesus wouldve been passed off as an ordinary man
What was the ascension of Jesus?
After meeting with his disciples and asking them to carry on his work, Jesus left them for the last time, returning to the father in heaven.
Important quote about the ascension
“While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven”
What was the significance of Jesus’ resurrection for Christians today?
Shows the power of good over evil and life over death
Means Christians’ sins will be forgiven if they follow God’s law
Means Christians will be resurrected if they accept Jesus, so there is no need to fear death
What was the significance of the ascension for Christians today?
Shows that Jesus is with God in heaven
Paved the way for God to send the Holy Spirit to provide comfort and guidance
What impact does the belief in resurrection have on Christians?
Means life after death is real
Gives hope of a future with Jesus
Gives confidence in the face of death
Shows Christians how much God loves them
Inspires Christians to live life in the way God wants them to so they can remain in his presence in this life and the next
What do Christians believe about the afterlife?
Resurrected and receive eternal life but is dependant on faith in God
Judged by God which will happen very soon after death or on the Day of Judgement
What do Christians believe about judgement?
God will judge them based on their actions during their lifetime
The parable of the Sheep and the Goats described how God will judge people.
It teaches that in serving others, they are serving Jesus and this is the way they should live their lives
Jesus told his disciples that having faith in him and following his teachings was essential for being able to enter heaven