Christian Beliefs on the Role of Jesus in Salvation (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))
Revision Note
Written by: Glenn Millington
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Christian Beliefs on the Role of Christ in Salvation
Mankind and Sin
In Genesis, Adam and Eve disobey God’s command not to eat fruit from the tree of knowledge. This was known as original sin
As descendants of Adam and Eve many Christians believe they were tainted with original sin and a tendency to disobey God
Therefore God as Christ offered salvation canceling out original sin and the promise of eternal life
Christians believe that Jesus’s suffering and death gained forgiveness for everyone and ensured redemption
Christians make a distinction between individual sins and the state of sin
Individual sins are the bad actions of humans
State of sin refers to the tendency of mankind to choose evil (as a result of the original sin)
Christians believe that Jesus’s suffering and death gained forgiveness for everyone and ensured redemption
To be a Christian it is not just about believing in God, they must also live a Christian life
The guidance on how to live is provided by the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus as written in the bible
The Ten Commandments
The Role of Christ in Salvation
Although Christians believe that Jesus was the perfect human, God placed all sins on him at crucifixion
The sacrifice of Jesus paid for the sins of humans provided they have faith in him
This process brought about the reconciliation of man and God known as atonement
‘For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him’ (John 3: 16-17)
Following the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus humans were forgiven for the sins of the past and have the opportunity to be rewarded in Heaven
Worked Example
Explain two Christian beliefs about the role of Jesus Christ in salvation. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching in your answer
[5 marks]
Answer:
Some Christians believe that sin entered the world through the ‘original sin’ of Adam and Eve when they ignored God’s command not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil the result of disobedience was separation from God, and death
Jesus was aware that his death was necessary in order to restore the right relationship between humans and God and to make forgiveness and eternal life possible for all people
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember that Jesus was able to take away the sins of mankind because He had no sin himself. Jesus is viewed by Christians as ‘the perfect human’
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