RS Christianity Final exam Flashcards

Question

How does the belief in Heaven influence Christians?

Answer 1

**Belief in Heaven influences Christians to follow Jesus Christ,** because they believe they will be saved - and go to heaven - through belief in him. T**hey are influenced to worship God** and follow his commandments in the Bible, in the hope that he will judge them to be worthy of going to Heaven after their death. **'Whoever believes in Him[jesus] Will not perish but will have eternal life" - Bible**

Answer 2

When a person dies Christians believe that it is not the ‘end’. After their time on Earth they believe that as long as they have followed the teachings of Jesus and repented (said sorry) for their sins humans will have eternal life in the afterlife. Christians believe that all humans have a soul. They believe the soul to be a non-physical part of humans that lives on after the death of the physical body. Many believe that it is the soul that will live on in the afterlife. Most Christians believe that they will either go to Heaven or to Hell.

Answer 3

Some believe it is spiritual: **“Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of GOD”** ## Footnote **Some believe hell is a physical place where bad people will be thrown into the furnace(Parable of net)**

Answer 4

The incarnation is the Christian belief that God ‘became flesh’ in the form of Jesus. Incarnation literally means ‘to take on flesh’. For Christians, the incarnation shows that Jesus was fully God and fully human. It is an essential part of belief in the Trinity, and in many ways it forms the basis of Christianity. **"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14** Before his birth, Jesus’s mother, Mary, was visited by angel Gabriel who told her…. **‘…you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.’ Luke 1:30**

Answer 5

The birth of Jesus is a special and significant event in Christianity for a number of reasons: 1. This was the moment when God was incarnated in human form. 2. **It was also when God’s grace was revealed to humans**. 3**. It reminds Christians of the miraculous power of God**, as Mary (the mother of Jesus) was able to conceive and give birth even though she was a virgin.

Answer 6

Through the incarnation of Jesus, humans were able to start **repairing their damaged relationship with God.** This relationship had been i**mperfect since Adam and Eve disobeyed God**. Through Jesus’ incarnation, **God began the process of salvation from sin, making it possible for humans to have a full relationship with him and go to Heaven.** In Jesus, humans can see what God is like. By becoming incarnate, God came closer to human understanding. Jesus acted as a messenger who was able to reconnect humanity to God’s teachings.

Answer 7

Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion for Blasphemy. Christians believe Jesus' death was sacrificial - He gave his life as an atonement for the sins of humanity.

Answer 8

As he was being crucified, Jesus cried out: **“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)** One of the **robbers confessed to Jesus that he had sinned** and said that he and the other robber deserved to die for their crimes. The robber also acknowledged that Jesus was innocent. Jesus told this **robber that they would meet again in Paradise.**

Answer 9

The resurrection of Jesus is, for most Christians, the most significant event. **It is seen as the ultimate miracle and indicates that death is not the end.** Christians believe that Jesus came back to life three days after he died on the cross. The **Gospel of Matthew** includes a detailed account of how Jesus’ followers discovered that he had been resurrected: **"He is not here; He has risen!"**

Answer 10

Belief in the resurrection is central to Christianity. It shows that **Jesus defeated deat**h, and it is considered by many Christians to be proof of life after death. Many Christians also think of **Jesus’ resurrection as evidence of God’s omnipotent and omnibenevolent nature.**

Answer 11

Ascension means to rise up and refers to Jesus being taken up to Heaven. A summary of the key points: • The Ascension took place in Bethany and the disciples were present • It showed the truth of Jesus’ promises about heaven and proved Jesus was right. • It proves to Christians there is life after death The ascension reminds Christians that: 1. **There is life after death.** 2. **That Christians can be saved from sins.**

Answer 12

Salvation is the saving of the soul from sin and death, leading to a life in heaven. **In order for this salvation to happen**, God set a **process in motion:** • **God gave his only son, Jesus**, so that all humans could be saved. • Jesus was a perfect human - **he had no sin.** • God **placed the sins of the world upon him at his crucifixion.** • Jesus’ actions **meant that there was reconciliation between God and humanity** - his death atoned or made up for human sin.

Answer 13

Following the mistake made by Adam and Eve, which led to evil entering the world, God offered salvation. This means human souls can be saved from eternal punishment (or separation from God) and are allowed to enter Heaven (and be in the presence of God). This is mentioned in Genesis 3.

Answer 14

**Salvation through Law** Some Christians believe that people can achieve salvation by following God’s teachings and carrying out good deeds that will please God. An example is caring for those who are less fortunate or giving to charity. **'The righteous will inherit the kingdom of God."** - You will be judged for how you lived your life. **Salvation through Grace** This means being saved by **Jesus’s sacrifice.** Grace is not earned but is a gift from God and as long as you believe in God and his son Jesus Christ you will receive god’s grace. **"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith … it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8** **Salvation through Spirit** Christians believe that the Holy Spirit guides them to live a good life and follow the teachings of their faith. It helps Christians to follow the teachings of God, and God recognises that everyone will sin but that they will turn to God in repentance (Acts 20:21). This means that, despite sinning, humans will try to make amends and ask for forgiveness by agreeing that God exists.

Answer 15

**Atonement means making up for, making amends.** It is the reconciliation of God and mankind through Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross to win forgiveness from God for the sins of mankind. It was a powerful act of love, where God gave his only son to save others. “**Greater love has no one than this; that one lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command”. (John 15:12-14 2:8**

Answer 16

Alpha course: An example of evangelism trying to tell others about Christianity

Answer 17

Baptism: **A sacrament in which believers are washed with water to remove sin** and become part of the church community

Answer 18

Believers Baptism: **Where a person is old enough to choose to follow God** and choose that they want to be **baptised**

Answer 19

Evangelism - Spreading the Christian message through preaching the Christian gospels

Answer 20

Great Commission ( The): Jesus instruction to his followers to go and spread his message **“Go and make disciples of many nation s”**

Answer 21

Infant Baptism: A child Baptism in which **they are not old enough to choose** but **promises are made on their behalf**. ## Footnote **In the book of John it says“Truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”**

Answer 22

A calling where an individual or group go out and spread the word of God.

Answer 23

Missionary: A person sent on a religious mission to promote Christianity in a different country through pre aching or charity work

Answer 24

Reconciliation: A sacrament in the catholic faith, also making up after an argument or disagreement

Answer 25

Sacrament: Rites and rituals through which the believer receives a special gift of grace. **’An outward sign of an inward grace’**

Answer 26

Sacraments are rituals that teach, strengthen and express faith. Beliefs about the sacraments vary between different denominations. Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians believe there are seven sacraments, whereas Protestants generally believe that Jesus only gave instruction for two – Baptism and the Eucharist.

Answer 27

* **The sacrament of baptism is used to welcome people into the Christian faith** and Christians believe that through baptism, believers can be cleansed of Original Sin. * **Jesus was baptised**, and after his resurrection **he told his disciples that they too should be baptised**. Jesus also commanded his disciples to use the act of baptism to welcome new disciples into the Church. **This is known as the Great Commission.** **“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father** **and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,**" (Matthew 28:19)

Answer 28

**Infant baptism** is the practise of baptising of a baby. The sign of the cross is made on the baby’s forehead and **water is poured three times over the head to represent the three parts of the Trinity**. In some Christian communities **(Orthodox) the baby is fully immersed** in water, as Jesus was when he was baptised (as an adult). Denominations that have infant baptism will hold a **‘confirmation’ ceremony when the child is old enough to ‘confirm’** their belief in God and Jesus. **Believers baptism** is followed by Baptist and Pentecostal denominations and believe a person should make their own choice to become a Christian when they are old enough. Believers are immersed fully in water just as Jesus was.

Answer 29

It is a Sacrament - The Eucharist (Holy Communion) is celebrated by almost all Christian denominations (Quakers and Salvation Army are an exception to this) It has many names, such as the Lord’s Supper, the Breaking of the Bread, the Liturgy, Holy Communion, Mass. The central features are the same. The connection with the Last Supper, the giving of thanks for the bread and wine and using Jesus’ last words at the Last Supper: **“Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.** Mark 26:27-29

Answer 30

The Christian denominations that celebrate the Eucharist attach great significance to it. **Some celebrate it daily or weekly, thinking that it is so important that frequent celebration is necessary.** Others celebrate it monthly or less because they think it is so important that they want to avoid the danger of losing its significance or overuse. Some Christians, such as **Roman Catholics, believe in transubstantiation; the literal conversion of bread and wine into the flesh and blood of Jesus during Mass.** Anglicans hold a **range of beliefs**, most believe in **consubstantiation** believing that the **bread and wine hold the spiritual presence of the body and blood of Christ** rather than becoming it. Others, like Methodists, **believe the Eucharist is just a memorial**; the bread and wine being purely symbolic of Jesus’ death, which brought salvation.

Answer 31

Easter is the most important celebration for Christians as it celebrates Jesus’ victory over death. It is important as: 1. Jesus dies as a **sacrifice for the sins of Humanity** - atonement. 2. **Without Easter there is no salvation**. 3. He gives people **Hope, Eternal life and redemption**. 4. Brings people **together**

Answer 32

PAMGE Easter begins with Lent, which is the name given to a period of 40 days leading up to the day of resurrection. The final week of Lent is known as Holy Week and contains a number of holy days for Christians. Holy Week The week leading up to the resurrection is known as Holy Week and there are special services held in Christian churches across the week: * Palm Sunday * Ash Wednesday * Maundy Thursday * Good Friday * Easter Sunday

Answer 33

Palm Sunday – The Sunday before Easter marks the beginning of Holy Week and Jesus’s arrival into Jerusalem on a donkey where crowds placed palm leaves on the floor and cheered. Christians attend church and will receive a palm leaf, sometimes shaped into a cross.

Answer 34

**Ash Wednesday – remembers the betrayal of Jesus by one of his disciples Judas**. Christians will attend church and have the b**urnt ash of last year’s palms** placed on their **forehead** in the shape of a **cross**. It is a **solemn occasion.**

Answer 35

**Maundy Thursday – Christians remember Jesus’ Last Supper,** which included the bread and wine and was shared with his disciples on the night before he died. This day marks the **beginning of a time of sadness and reflection** for **Christians**.

Answer 36

**Good Friday – This marks the day Jesus was crucified.** The term **‘good’ reflects how his sacrifice brought about salvation and proved he was the Messiah**. Many churches hold services during the afternoon at a similar time to when Jesus died (3pm).

Answer 37

**Easter Sunday** – T**his is a joyous event because Christians remember that Jesus rose form the dead**, proving **him to be the Son of God**. Some churches hold an Easter vigil on the Saturday evening before a service on the Sunday. A paschal candle will be lit which symbolises ‘The Light of Christ’. On Easter Sunday Christians will attend church and gather together as a family to share a meal. The message of Easter is one of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, hope over despair and life over death.

Answer 38

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, as told in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. 1. It Marks the **start of the Christian religon**. 2. Marks when **God became incarnate**. 3. It **brings people together**. 4. A special time to **focus on God**.

Answer 39

Celebration of Christmas Christmas is seen as a **time for generosity and for thinking about the needs of others**. Churches run events to **provide food and temporary shelter to people in need**. In the UK, Christmas is celebrated in both a religious and a secular way. There are church services with carols on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day is a national holiday on which many Christians attend church services to thank God for his gift of Jesus. Many people, including non-religious people and people of other faiths, have parties with food and gifts. ## Footnote **“Christians reveals the immense love of God for Humanity” Pope Francis**

Answer 40

The Church is primarily a place for Christians to meet and worship, but it also has a key role in the wider community. **It brings people together and creates a sense of belonging for those involved in the book of Hebrews:** ## Footnote **"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another…"**

Answer 41

In the parable of the Sheep and the Goats Jesus set the example and told his followers that if they wanted a place in heaven they must help those less fortunate than themselves: **"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."** (Matthew 25:40)

Answer 42

Christianity teaches that **salvation can be achieved through following Jesus’ example and helping others.** Churches work to unite and help people in the community in the following ways:  **Food banks** – a place where people living in poverty can go and collect some food  **Salvation Army** – a Christian denomination who help those who are suffering  **Help for the homeless** – Housing Justice is a Christian charity who try to ensure everyone has a home

Answer 43

There are also many non-religious functions that can take place in a church building, eg:  crèche facilities and baby/toddler groups  **youth group**s/scouts/guides  **community meeting places** (e.g. coffee mornings/keep fit classes)  adult education classes  **charity** events

Answer 44

**Some Christians believe evangelism** is more important than ever in the UK’s changing society. Between 1983 and 2015, the **proportion of Christians in Britain fell** from 55% to 43%, however worldwide the population of Christians continues to grow. Some Christians spread their faith through knocking on doors, preaching in the streets or through initiatives such as the **Alpha course** (a series of talks exploring Christianity). Some Christians choose to spread the Christian message abroad t**hrough missionary work**. For example, The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) ‘help churches send missionaries to establish reproducing churches in other nations to the glory of God’. They work to improve the **healthcare, education and community development**, as well as **provide disaster aid** to people in need.

Answer 45

Not all evangelists talk directly about their faith. Some groups, **such as the Salvation Army, demonstrate agape** (selfless love) **by helping the needy in the community**. **Some Christians view evangelism and missionary work as potentially negative**, as it can be considered a **form of discrimination to try to convert people of other religions.**

Answer 46

1. **Pray** for the persecuted 2. Give **Practical Help through Charities**. 3. **Campaigning, Educating, Raising** **awareness** about persecution.

Answer 47

**Persecution is hostility and ill-treatment usually because of prejudice.** The **early Christians faced extreme persecution including being hunted and executed**. Jesus taught his followers to l**ove their enemies and pray for those who persecute you**, Christians should not respond with violence: “**Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you…Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.**" book of Matthew Following New Testament teachings Christians are encouraged to **respond to persecution with forgiveness and love rather than with vengeance and hate**. These teachings also encourage **Churches which are not suffering persecution to help those who are.**

Answer 48

Reconciliation **Reconciliation is the process of bringing together people who are opposed to one another**. Christians are taught to **always work towards reconciliation**. **Jesus sacrificed himself to bring about reconciliation between God and mankind.** It is therefore important for **Christians to follow his example so that sins can be forgiven.** “**Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you**.’ - Bible

Answer 49

**“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”** It is seen as a religious duty **“Love your enemies to pray for those who persecute you”**

Answer 50

Looking after and giving to others, in the form of charity, is an important part of Christianity, as Christians believe that God gave humans stewardship. This means humans are responsible for looking after and protecting those in need. * **Christian Aid** - Christian Aid helps people across the world, sometimes those in need as a result of wars or natural disasters. * **Tearfund** - Tearfund is a Christian charity that aims to help the poor. They base their work on Christian beliefs and teachings, such as love thy neighbour. They travel to disaster areas to help ease poverty and provide support for refugees. Tearfund also works to help develop communities, envision churches and influence local, national and international policies. * **CAFOD** - The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) works in disaster areas and has more than 500 partners in less economically developed countries.

Answer 51

Some Christians think infant baptism is a good thing because it welcomes the child into the Christian church and cleanses the infant of Original sin meaning if anything happened the child would go to heaven Some Christians think adult or believers baptism is better because the person is choosing the faith for themselves. It also follows the example of Jesus who was baptised as an adult.

Answer 52

The twelve mark questions are worth 50% of your whole paper so it is essential you have a good technique. DREARER C is one of those techniques: D – DISAGREE R – REASON to disagree E – EXPLAIN in depth explanation of that reason A – AGREE R – REASON to agree E – EXPLAIN in depth explanation of that reason IDEALLY THERE SHOULD BE AT LEAST THREE REASONS ON EACH SIDE! R – RELIGIOUS DETAIL C – CONCLUSION – this is where you get to give your own reasoned opinion, but only if it is different to the arguments you have already used (avoid repetition) On the one hand some would disagree with the statement ‘private worship has more meaning for a Christian than public worship’ because public worship helps to strengthen the community. It gives structure to prayer and allows people to be part of something bigger than just themselves. In public worship there will be someone to lead them and this helps to make sure the worship has meaning. Although private worship is important it does not help to build and strengthen a religious community. Some would argue that Christians need both private and public worship because each has a different meaning. Private worship allows believers to feel close to God but public worship ensures they are part of something bigger. One type of worship does not have more meaning than the other. On the other hand, some Christians might agree with this statement because an individual Christian can choose how he or she wants to worship in private. In public worship they have to follow what everyone else is saying and doing. Private worship has more meaning because a Christian cannot pretend or just copy everyone else when they worship in private, it is likely to be real worship. In addition, Jesus told his disciples to pray in private because God would see them, Christians believe that God sees everything they do and Jesus said “go into your room, close the door.” Matthew 6:6 Private worship will have more meaning because they are following Jesus' teaching. In conclusion, I think that private worship has more meaning for a Christian than public worship because it is more personal, it can be carried out at any time and anywhere. They do not have to wait for a particular time so ensures a close relationship with God at all times.

Answer 53

Some believe it is Physical: **“The Fiery lake of burning sulphur”** Some believe it is spiritual: **“Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of GOD”**

Answer 54

Hell is pictured as a place of punishment so it makes them scared of going there. Many Christians are influenced by the belief that they will be judged when they die so they follow Jesus' teachings and try to be a good Christian. **“Then they will go away to eternal punishment”** (Matthew 25:46)

Answer 55

Do 4 Paragraphs 1. Introduction - Explain what you are talking about 2. One argument in-depth 3. Counter argument 4. Justified conclusion

Answer 56

Many Christians believe the primary mission of the church is to evangelise. In the bible Jesus told to go make disciples of all nations. Therefore it is important because it is commissioned by Jesus. Many Christians believe that salvation can only be found through Jesus Christ, and so they have an important duty to tell as many people about his teaching. **John 14:6 Jesus says he is the truth and that life; nobody comes to the Father except through me."**

Answer 57

**"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins"**