Atonement: GCSE Religious Studies Definition

What is atonement?

In GCSE Religious Studies, atonement is generally defined as the mending of the relationship between God and humanity through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is the process of reconciliation between God and humanity.

In Christianity, the relationship between God and humanity was broken by original sin when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. It was restored through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus offered his life on the cross even though he was without sin. His sacrifice atoned, or paid the price, for the sins of all humans. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead showed that God had accepted this sacrifice as an atonement. It was a victory for good over evil.

Now that reconciliation has been achieved, Christians believe that everyone who follows Jesus’ teaching may also be rewarded in heaven with God. This gives them hope for the afterlife.

Explore our revision notes for Edexcel GCSE and AQA GCSE to see where atonement in Christianity fits into the revision notes for those specifications.

In Judaism, the term atonement still means reconciliation between God and humanity. Jews repent and ask God for forgiveness at the festival of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. They believe that God will make his final judgment at Yom Kippur sometime in the future.

Explore the AQA GCSE revision resources to see where atonement in Judaism fits into the revision notes for those specifications.

Atonement Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Use the Save My Exams GCSE resources to explore the topic of atonement further. You can revisit your learning using revision notes. Use past papers and exam questions to check your understanding of atonement in Christianity and Judaism.

AQA GCSE Religious Studies Revision Resources