Salvation in Christianity (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))

The Importance of Resurrection & Ascension

Salvation for Christians

• Christians believe that when Jesus died on the cross, he was sacrificed for the sins of humankind. This allows humans to be reunited with God after death in Heaven . This is called salvation

• The crucifixion, resurrection and ascension are central to the Christian belief in salvation

• Christians refer to this as ‘salvation through grace and spirit’ and was made possible through the atoning death of Jesus

  • Christians believe that God shows Grace to everyone

  • The Holy Spirit helps Christians to follow God’s teachings and keep faith to find Salvation

  • An example of this is shown in Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son

• Atonement is important because the atoning death of God’s Son was the only way to bring salvation to humanity

• Jesus’ actions made forgiveness for the sins of the world and reconciliation possible

Salvation: Grace & Spirit

How Christians can achieve Salvation

• Salvation means being accepted by God and therefore being assured of eternal life (heaven). You can achieve salvation in many ways

  • Salvation by Work is the belief that to be accepted by God you need to obey the law. This means following the commandments laid down in the scriptures

• Salvation by Faith is the belief that salvation is achieved through faith or actively believing in God

• Showing commitment to Christianity for Christians offers atonement for sin

  • This can be done through repentance (showing regret for sins)

  • Through the grace of God (God’s showing favour to mankind)

  • By God forgiving mankind and mankind forgiving each other

  • Through God’s redemption achieved through the atonement where the death of Jesus pays the price of a ransom releasing Christians from bondage and death

• To achieve salvation Christians must have faith in Christ and live a Christian life