Christianity is a religion, the biggest in the UK and the biggest in the world.
In the 2021 census, 27.5 million people in England and Wales identified as Christian (46.2% of the population). Globally, there are about 2.6 billion Christians as of mid-2023.
It’s reasonable to estimate that there have been well over 50 billion Christians throughout history.
Extra: Introduction to Christianity (video clip)
How did Christianity begin?
Christianity began in the 1st century CE with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, a Jewish teacher and healer.
Christianity is, like Judaism, a monotheistic religion. This means that Christians believe in only one God.
After Jesus was crucified and believed to have resurrected (risen from the dead), his followers, known as disciples, spread his teachings throughout the Roman Empire.
Despite facing persecution, the message of Jesus’ resurrection and salvation gained many followers.
Over time, Christianity grew and eventually became the main religion in the Roman Empire and beyond.
Extra: Origins of Christianity (video clip)
Christian branches
Christian theology can be complicated because there is a lot of disagreement amongst Christians.
There are nearly 300 different Christian groups (or denominations) in the UK. Worldwide, there are an estimated 45,000!
The mains one we cover are the
Roman Catholic Church
Evangelical churches
Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)
We’ll also cover, at least a bit, the
Church of England (Anglicans)
Baptist Church
Extra: Twenty Christian denominations (UK)
A list of twenty Christian denominations in the UK, ordered from largest to smallest based on the number of members:
The biggest Christian group in the world in the Roman Catholic Church. In the 2021 Census, about 3.8 million people in England and Wales identified as Roman Catholic. Globally, there are about 1.34 billion Roman Catholics as of 2022
We’ll mainly be using the New King James Version (NKJV).
Two Parts of the Bible
It is split into two parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The Old Testament was mainly written in Hebrew. It was written by many authors over about a 1,000 years, from about 1,400 BCE to 400 BCE.
The New Testament was written in Greek and tells the story of Jesus and after. It too was written by many authors. It was written over about 50 years, just under 2,000 years ago.
Books of the Bible
Technically, the Bible isn’t really a book. Rather, it’s a collection of many different books (some of which are very short!)
The Bible (NKJV) has a total of 66 books:
39 books in the Old Testament
27 books in the New Testament
The first five book of the Old Testament are named Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Together these five books are called the ‘Pentateuch‘ or the Books of Moses. They contain God’s commandments or laws.
The first four books of the New Testament are named Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Together they are called the ‘Gospels‘, which means ‘good news’. They tell the good news of Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection.
Many of the other books of the New Testament were written by St. Paul.
Extra: What is the Bible? (video clip)
Bible Chapters and Verses
Each book is made up of chapters and verses. Each verse is about a sentence long. Genesis 1:2 is shorthand for Genesis chapter 1 verse 2. The chapter goes before the colon, the verse goes after it.
The Law
In Christianity, the Law refers to Laws of Moses. These are the commandments given by God, especially those in the Pentateuch of the Old Testament.
The most famous are the Ten Commandments.
You shall not murder.
Exodus 20:13
The Law reveals our sinfulness and shows us our need for God’s grace.
Moreover, some Christians believe that we need the Law because we are sinners. If we were not sinful, there’d be no need for laws and punishments!
Extra: The Ten Commandments
You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make for yourself a carved image [any likeness of anything that is in heaven above]
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honour your father and your mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
You shall not covet.
Exodus 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 5:6-21
God
In Christianity, God is the supreme being who created and rules over everything.
Christians believe God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnibenevolent (perfectly good).
Omnipotent means God is all-powerful and can do anything. In Exodus, God shows His power by sending ten plagues:
The waters turned to blood.
Exodus 7:20
Also in Exodus, God shows His power by parting the Red Sea.
The Lord caused the sea to go back.
Exodus 14:21
Moses parting the Red Sea. The story shows God’s omnipotence.
Omnibenevolent means God is perfectly good and all-loving. The Bible says
You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God .
Psalm 86:15
The main way that God showed that He loves humans, according to the Bible, is through the sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 states,
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.
John 3:16
Extra: The ten plagues (video clip)
Extra: The parting of the Red Sea (video clip)
Evil
Epicurus’s questions: Epicurus questioned how an omnipotent and omnibenevolent God could allow evil.
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?
Epicurus
This is known as the problem of evil. An atheist, John Mackie, put it as an inconsistent triad.
Extra: The problem of evil (video clip)
Job
Job was a good man who loved God and had a happy life with lots of family, animals, and wealth.
One day, Satan challenged God, saying Job was only good because he was blessed. God allowed Satan to test Job by taking away his family, wealth, and health.
Despite his suffering, Job remained faithful to God.
In the end, God restored everything Job had lost and blessed him even more for his faithfulness.
The story of Job shows that suffering can happen to good people and that God’s reasons for allowing it may be beyond human understanding.
The story might be a symbol that faith in God is necessary for salvation.
Extra: Story of Job (video clip)
Trinity
God is also often seen as a Trinity, meaning one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. God is one being with three different roles.
Christians might believe in the Trinity because Jesus taught that He and God the Father are united. In the Bible, Jesus said
I and the Father are one.
John 10:30
Also, in the Bible, St. Paul writes that the Holy Spirit is God:
Creation is when God the Father made the universe and everything in it. According to the Bible, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1-2
Genesis 1-3 tells the story of how God created the world and everything in it, including the first humans, Adam and Eve.
God created man in His own image.
Genesis 1:27
The chapters describe how Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden. They disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit, leading to their expulsion from the garden.
This first sin, or act against the will of God, is called ‘original sin‘.
Christians believe that the Holy Spirit was there at the moment of creation. In Genesis, it is written,
The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Genesis 1:2
This shows the Holy Spirit’s involvement in the creation process.
Extra: The Holy Spirit (video clip)
The Son
Christians also believe that Jesus was there with God at the moment of creation.
They sometimes call Jesus the ‘Word’. The Gospel of John (in the Bible) says
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
Let’s break it into three parts:
“In the beginning was the Word”
Jesus existed from the very start, before anything was created.
“The Word was with God”
Jesus was close to God, showing a special relationship.
“The Word was God”
Jesus is God, sharing God’s nature.
Extra: Jesus light of the world
Here’s a bit more, John 1 verses 1 to 5:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5 NIV)
The idea is that Jesus (the Word) was with God from the beginning, and through Jesus, everything was created, bringing life and light to the world. Jesus was present and involved in the creation of the world.
Christians call Jesus the ‘light of the world’ because He brings spiritual illumination, guidance, and hope to humanity, getting rid of the darkness of sin and ignorance.
Jesus said
I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life
John 8:12
Extra: John 1:1-5 (lively song)
Incarnation
Christians do not believe that Jesus was a physical human being at the moment of creation. They believe that Jesus, existed as the Word (God’s logos or reason), came to live as a human.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
John 1:14
The ‘flesh’ means that Jesus, who is the Word, got a body and became a human being.
The belief is that Jesus was fully God and fully human. The idea is called the hypostatic union and was agreed by Christians in the year 451CE.
Christians use the word ‘incarnation‘ to refer to the Word becoming human: Jesus was God in human form.
Extra: Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t believe in the incarnation or Trinity
Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Protestant Christian group, believe that Jesus is the Son of God but not God Himself. They reject the idea of Jesus being fully divine and fully human.
They believe that Jesus is God’s first creation and His Son, but not equal to God.
They often cite the Bible, where Jesus says,
The Father is greater than I
John 14:28
to support their view that Jesus is not as important as God.
Extra: Jesus’ life in 3.5 minutes (funny video clip)
Annunciation
In Luke 1:28-33, the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will give birth to Jesus:
You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.
Luke 1:31-32 NKJV
This event is known as the Annunciation (announcement).
Extra: Mary the Virgin
Here’s more of the quote, from Luke 1:32-35 NIV:
32 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High….
33 His kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
This is meant to show that God is the Father of Jesus, and that Jesus is His Son.
Roman Catholics believe that Mary was born pure, without original sin. This is called the immaculate conception.
Extra: Annunciation (video clip)
Nativity
The nativity story tells how Jesus was born to Mary in Bethlehem. Angels announced His birth to shepherds, and wise men (Magi) followed a star to bring Him gifts.
The nativity story is meant to show Jesus as God incarnate:
Jesus’ birth to a sinless virgin Mary was a miracle
Angels announced Jesus’s birth
Jesus was called divine titles such as the Son of God
Jesus fulfilled prophecies from the Old Testament
The Holy Spirit was involved.
People like shepherds worshipped Jesus
Extra: Nativity (video clip)
Magi
Wise men from the east (Magi) visited Jesus and gave him three gifts:
Gold: a gift fit for a king
Frankincense: an incense used in the worship of God.
Myrrh: a perfume used in burials, showing Jesus would suffer and die.
The gifts symbolised that Jesus’s birth fulfilled prophecies.
Extra: Gold, frankincense, and myrrh
Prophecy
A prophecy is a message from God about the future or God’s will.
Isaiah, around 700 years before Jesus, prophesied in the Old Testament that a messiah (saviour) would suffer, be despised and rejected, bear our sins, and be killed despite his innocence (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)
He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.
Isaiah 53:5
The messiah would bring salvation.
By his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5
Extra: Twenty Old Testament prophecies Christians believe are about Jesus
Born of a Virgin
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
This prophecy foretells that Jesus would be born to a virgin, which was fulfilled when Mary, a virgin, gave birth to Jesus.
Born in Bethlehem
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel.” (Micah 5:2)
This prophecy predicts that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, which is where He was born.
A Descendant of David
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness.” (Jeremiah 23:5)
This means Jesus would come from the family line of King David, fulfilling the promise that a great king would come from David’s descendants.
Called Immanuel
Quotation: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
Explanation: Immanuel means “God with us,” indicating that Jesus would be God living among people.
A Suffering Servant
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:5)
This prophecy describes how Jesus would suffer and die for the sins of humanity.
Riding on a Donkey
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)
This predicts Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, which happened on Palm Sunday.
Betrayed for Thirty Pieces of Silver
“So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver.” (Zechariah 11:12)
This prophecy foretells that Jesus would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, which Judas Iscariot did.
Crucified with Criminals
“And He was numbered with the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12)
This means Jesus would be crucified alongside criminals, which happened when He was crucified between two thieves.
His Bones Not Broken
“He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken.” (Psalm 34:20)
This prophecy indicates that none of Jesus’ bones would be broken during His crucifixion, which was fulfilled.
Buried in a Rich Man’s Tomb
“And they made His grave with the wicked—But with the rich at His death.” (Isaiah 53:9)
This means Jesus would be buried in a rich man’s tomb, which happened when Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man, provided his own tomb for Jesus’ burial.
Jesus’ life
The Bible doesn’t say much about Jesus’s childhood or adult life, or about what Jesus looked like.
Extra: Jesus the child (including video clip)
The Bible gives us a few glimpses into Jesus’ childhood. After his birth, his family went to Egypt to escape King Herod and later returned to Nazareth.
At age 12, He visited the Temple in Jerusalem, impressing the teachers with his wisdom.
Jesus said to his mother,
“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
Luke 2:49
For Christians, this shows that God was Jesus’ father.
Extra: Jesus’ family, Jesus the carpenter
Jesus grew up in Nazareth, with his family. This included his mother Mary and his earthly father Joseph. He had four brothers named James, Joseph (also called Joses), Simon, and Judas (also called Jude), and at least two sisters whose names are not mentioned in the Bible.
As an adult, until he was about 30, Jesus was probably a carpenter. His earthly father, Joseph, taught him the trade.
Extra: What did Jesus look life? (including video clip)
The Bible doesn’t describe what Jesus looked like.
Experts think that Jesus probably looked a bit like this:
Jesus’ ministry started when he was about 30. This was the time that he spent teaching and healing. It lasted three years.
It started with his baptism in the Jordan River. John the Baptist baptised him.
The Bible says that during the baptism, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove. A voice from heaven, his Father’s, said
This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased
Matthew 3:171
This moment showed the unity of the Trinity: God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Extra: Jesus’ baptism (video clip)
Teachings
Jesus taught many things. He first told people to repent, which means to turn away from sin.
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand
Matthew 4:17
Many Christians think that someone must repent if they are to be saved (salvation) and receive eternal life.
Twenty of Jesus’ teachings
Love your neighbour as yourself: Treat others with the same care and respect you desire.
Forgive others to be forgiven: Show mercy to others, and you will receive mercy from God.
Turn the other cheek: Respond to aggression with peace and patience, not retaliation.
Do to others as you would have them do to you: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Blessed are the peacemakers: Those who promote peace will be called children of God.
Seek first God’s kingdom: Prioritise God’s will and righteousness in your life.
Judge not, lest you be judged: Avoid condemning others, as you will be judged by the same standard.
Love your enemies: Show love and kindness even to those who oppose you.
Pray in secret: Communicate with God privately, without seeking attention.
Store treasures in heaven: Focus on spiritual wealth rather than material possessions.
Be humble like a child: Embrace humility and trust in God like a child.
Serve others selflessly: Put others’ needs before your own and serve with a humble heart.
Have faith in God: Trust in God’s power and promises, even in difficult times.
Be the light of the world: Live in a way that reflects God’s love and truth to others.
Do not worry about tomorrow: Trust God to provide for your needs each day.
Ask, seek, and knock: Persistently seek God’s guidance and blessings.
Enter through the narrow gate: Follow the challenging but righteous path to eternal life.
Beware of false prophets: Be cautious of those who deceive and lead others astray.
Give to the needy: Show compassion by helping those in need without seeking recognition.
Love your neighbor as yourself: Treat others with the same care and respect you desire.
Forgive others to be forgiven: Show mercy to others, and you will receive mercy from God.
Turn the other cheek: Respond to aggression with peace and patience, not retaliation.
Do unto others as you would: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Blessed are the peacemakers: Those who promote peace will be called children of God.
Seek first God’s kingdom: Prioritize God’s will and righteousness in your life.
Judge not, lest you be judged: Avoid condemning others, as you will be judged by the same standard.
Love your enemies: Show love and kindness even to those who oppose you.
Pray in secret: Communicate with God privately, without seeking attention.
Store treasures in heaven: Focus on spiritual wealth rather than material possessions.
Be humble like a child: Embrace humility and trust in God like a child.
Serve others selflessly: Put others’ needs before your own and serve with a humble heart.
Have faith in God: Trust in God’s power and promises, even in difficult times.
Be the light of the world: Live in a way that reflects God’s love and truth to others.
Do not worry about tomorrow: Trust God to provide for your needs each day.
Ask, seek, and knock: Persistently seek God’s guidance and blessings.
Enter through the narrow gate: Follow the challenging but righteous path to eternal life.
Beware of false prophets: Be cautious of those who deceive and lead others astray.
Give to the needy: Show compassion by helping those in need without seeking recognition.
Follow me: Commit to living according to Jesus’ teachings and example.
Parables
Jesus often told parables to help people understand important truths. A parable is a story used to teach a lesson or highlight a moral.
One parable is the Good Samaritan, which shows that we should love and help others, regardless of who they are.
Love your neighbour as yourself
Matthew 22:39
Extra: Parable of the Good Samaritan (video)
Extra: Parable of the Prodigal Son (video)
Miracles
Jesus performed lots of miracles. One miracle was the raising of Lazarus from the dead in Bethany.
Lazarus, come forth!
John 11:43
This showed that Jesus was God, with power over death.
Extra: Raising of Lazarus (video)
Extra: Jesus heals a paralysed man (video)
Crucifixion
Before the Crucifixion
Last Supper: Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples, predicting his betrayal.
Gethsemane: He prayed in the garden, feeling deep distress. He was so distressed he sweat blood.
Arrest: Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, leading to his arrest.
Trials: Jesus faced trials before Caiaphas and Pilate, who, despite finding no fault, sentenced him to crucifixion under pressure from the crowd.
The Crucifixion
Mocking and beating: Jesus was mocked, beaten, and crowned with thorns.
Carrying the cross: He carried his cross to Golgotha, with Simon of Cyrene helping.
Nailing to the cross: Jesus was crucified alongside two criminals.
Final moments: He spoke seven phrases (the Seven Sayings), including asking for forgiveness for his crucifiers, and then died.
Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.
Luke 23:34
Extra: The Seven Sayings
Seven Sayings
The seven sayings of Jesus are the final words Jesus made while on the cross. They are about forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, distress, triumph, and reunion with.
Here are Jesus’ seven sayings from the cross with their meanings:
Saying
Meaning
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Jesus asks God to forgive His crucifiers, showing His compassion.
“I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Jesus promises a repentant thief that he will be in Heaven.
“Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” (John 19:26-27)
Jesus ensures His mother, Mary, is cared for by John.
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)
Jesus expresses His feeling of abandonment, fulfilling prophecy.
“I thirst!” (John 19:28)
Jesus expresses His physical suffering.
“It is finished!” (John 19:30)
Jesus declares His mission complete, showing salvation’s fulfilment.
“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
Jesus entrusts His spirit to God, showing His faith and surrender.
Extra: Jesus’ crucifixion (Lego movie)
Atonement
During the crucifixion of Jesus, darkness fell over the land from noon until 3 PM.
From the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.
Matthew 27:45
The darkness symbolises Jesus taking the punishment for people’s sins.
Roman Catholics also believe that Jesus went down to hell after his death, for three days:
He descended into hell.
Apostle’s Creed
The idea is again that Jesus’ death paid the penalty for all human sin.
Jesus took the punishment that all humans deserve for the original sin of Adam and Eve: death.
The wages of sin is death
Romans 6:23
At the moment of Jesus’ death, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
Matthew 27:51
The curtain is what separated God from humans. Now split, humans could again be united with God.
Atonement means that Jesus’s sacrificial death repaired the broken relationship between humans and God.
Extra: Jesus’ crucifixion (video clip) with darkness and the tearing of the temple curtain
Extra: What’s the difference between atonement and salvation?
The two ideas are similar.
Atonement is about fixing the broken relationship between God and people through Jesus’ death on the cross.
Salvation is the result of this, meaning being saved from sin and its consequences, and receiving eternal life with God.
Salvation
In Christianity, salvation means being saved from sin and its consequences.
Sin means doing things that go against what God wants. Sin creates a gap between people and God because God is perfect and can’t be around sin. This gap stops people from living eternally with God in heaven. In other words, sin prevents salvation.
So Jesus’ death (atonement) is seen as a necessary sacrifice to make salvation possible.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
Because Jesus atoned for people’s sins, humans can have eternal life in heaven and be saved.
Grace
In Christianity, grace is the undeserved love that God gives to people.
Grace is like a gift from God that we can’t work for or earn.
Grace is important because it means that God loves and forgives us, even though we don’t deserve it.
Christians believe that through grace, God sent Jesus to save humanity from sin.
This means that by believing in Jesus and accepting His sacrifice, people can be forgiven and have an everlasting relationship with God.
Grace makes salvation possible, and it shows God’s kindness and mercy towards everyone
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8
This means salvation is a gift from God, given through His grace and faith in us. It is not something we can earn by our own efforts.
Resurrection
After his crucifixion, Jesus was buried. His dead body was placed in a tomb.
Christians believe that, on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead.
In Luke 24:1-9, it describes how women found Jesus’ tomb empty and were told by angels
He is not here; He has risen!
Luke 24:6
The word for ‘rising from the dead’ is resurrection.
Extra: What happened in the 40 days between Jesus’s resurrection and his ascension?
Resurrection: Jesus rises from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion
Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene and then to other women (John 20:11-18; Matthew 28:9-10).
Jesus appeared to two disciples traveling to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).
Jesus appeared to His disciples (without Thomas) in a locked room (John 20:19-23).
Jesus appeared again to His disciples, this time with Thomas there (John 20:24-29).
Jesus appeared to seven disciples while they were fishing in the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14).
Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples, instructing them to spread the gospel (Matthew 28:16-20).
Jesus appeared to more than 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6).
Jesus appeared to James, His brother (1 Corinthians 15:7).
Ascension: Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:9-11).
Extra: Jesus’s resurrection (video clip)
Importance of resurrection
St. Paul explains that if Christ has not been resurrected, then Christian faith is in vain:
If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.
1 Corinthians 15:14
In other words, if the resurrection didn’t happen, the whole religion is false!
For Christians, the resurrection is very important. It shows that
Jesus defeated death. This means that if they believe in Him, they too can overcome sin and death.
death is not the end. Like Jesus, Christians, too, might rise again and live eternally in heaven.
Jesus is truly the Son of God.
Moreover, the resurrection symbolises new life and a new beginning. It represents the transformation that believers undergo when they accept Jesus and are “born again.”
Extra: The justification of believers
Theologians say that Jesus’ resurrection is linked to what they call the justification of believers.
It shows that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for the sins of humanity, allowing believers to be made righteous in the sight of God (justification).
In simpler terms: Justification means that God accepted what Jesus did to take away our sins. Because of this, when we believe in Jesus, God sees us as good and right. It’s like getting a clean slate and being friends with God again. Because Jesus, a human, was raised again by God, it shows that the slate was truly clean.
[Jesus] was delivered up because of our offences, and was raised because of our justification.
Romans 4:25
Great Commission
At some time in the forty days after his resurrection, Jesus commands His disciples,
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15
This command is called the Great Commission.
It highlights the importance of evangelism, urging the Jesus’ followers to spread the message of salvation to all creation.
Ascension
Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus leads His disciples to Bethany (Luke 24:50-53), where He blesses them. Jesus then ascends to his Father in heaven.
This is a reason why Christians believe in heaven.
He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Acts 1:9
Extra: Jesus’ ascension (video)
Pentecost
X
Afterlife
Christians believe in eternal life, where those who have faith in Jesus will go to heaven to be with God. But those who reject God will go to hell, separated from God.
Eschatology
Eschatology means beliefs about the end times and what happens after we die. In John 11:25-26, Jesus says,
I am the resurrection and the life…Whoever believes in Me shall never die.
John 11:25-26
This means that Christians believe in eternal life through Jesus.
Judgement
The Bible talks about judgement in several places.
Parable of the sheep and the goats
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus describes a time when He will come back and judge everyone.
All the nations will be gathered before [the Son of Man], and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.
Matthew 25:32
He will separate people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The good people, who helped others, will go to eternal life, and the bad people, who ignored those in need, will go to eternal punishment.
Christians believe that God is the ultimate judge of all people. In the parable, the Son of Man refers to Jesus.
Some Christians think each person is judged by God immediately after they die. This is because Jesus said to the repentant thief on the cross next to his:
I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.
Luke 23:43
Day of Judgement
Other Christians believe in a final Day of Judgement at the end of time. This is because the Bible says a day has been set:
He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world.
Acts 17:31
The exact time of the Day of Judgement is unknown, only God knows, according to the Bible:
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only
Matthew 24:26
Many Christians believe that judgement is based on people’s actions and how they treated others. This is the message of the parable of sheep and goats.
Judgement might also be based on people’s faith in God and Jesus. This seems to be the message of the most famous
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
The Bible says that, on judgement day, Jesus will judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1). The dead will be resurrected.
Extra: Roman Catholics believe in both immediate judgement and a final judgement day
Particular judgement happens immediately after a person dies. The soul is judged by God and sent to heaven, purgatory, or hell based on their faith and actions.
Final judgement will occur at the end of time when Jesus returns to earth. All people will be judged together, and the final destiny of each soul will be revealed.
Resurrection
Christians believe the dead will be resurrected because Jesus rose again. Jesus also said all people would be resurrected in the future:
All who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
John 5:28-29
Many Christians believe in a physical resurrection. This is what happened to Jesus. At the end of time, the dead will be raised in a new, perfect physical body from their graves.
For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
Corinthians 15:52
Other Christians interpret resurrection more spiritually. They believe that it is the soul, not the body, that is resurrected. This view suggests that after death, the soul is transformed and enters a new, eternal life with God.
This passage of the Bible talks about being ‘dead in sin’ and alive in Jesus, suggesting something spiritual:
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins
Ephesians 2:1
Extra: Roman Catholics belief in physical and spiritual resurrection
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that after death, souls undergo a process of purification (purgatory) before they can enter Heaven. Catholics believe in both a physical and spiritual resurrection, where the body and soul are reunited at the end of time
Heaven
The Bible portrays heaven as a place of union with God, characterised by:
joy and peace
eternal life
worship and praise
streets of gold
the presence of God
light, filled with Jesus’ glory
The Bible says that believers will dwell with God forever in heaven.
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain
Revelation 21:4
Election
Christians have different views about salvation and who goes to heaven.
Limited election: God picks a few people for salvation, and it’s entirely His choice.
Unlimited election: God offers salvation to everyone, but not all accept it.
Universalism: everyone will be saved by God’s love, even if some have to go through a bit of punishment first.
St. Augustine believed in limited election. Perhaps exactly 144,000 people will be saved because the Bible says this:
Behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads.
Revelation 14:1
Roman Catholics and most Evangelical churches believe in unlimited election. Jesus suggests there is space in heaven for everyone:
My Father’s house has many rooms.
John 14:2 NIV
Many Quakers lean towards universalism:
God our Saviour… wants all people to be saved.
1 Timothy 2:3-4
Extra: Purgatory
The Roman Catholic Church believes purgatory is a place where souls go to be purified before they can enter heaven.
It’s for people who have died in God’s grace but still need to be cleansed of their sins.
Catholics think that prayers and good deeds from the living can help these souls move through purgatory faster.
All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation: but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of Heaven.
Roman Catholic Catechism
Quakers and Evangelicals don’t believe in purgatory.
St. Augustine
Hell
The Bible portrays hell as a place of separation from God, characterised by:
torment
eternal fire
weeping and gnashing of teeth
a lake of fire
eternal punishment
darkness, devoid of Jesus’ light
Also, the Bible says that, like demons, Satan is destined for eternal punishment in hell.
He will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 13:42
Interpreting the Bible
The Bible can be interpreted in literally.
Literal interpretations take the Bible at face value, understanding it in its most straightforward sense. For example, the plague of blood in Exodus 7:20-21 is seen as a literal event where the Nile River turned to blood.
The Bible can be interpreted non-literally. For example:
Metaphorical interpretations look for deeper, symbolic meanings beneath the literal words. For instance, the plague of darkness in Exodus 10:21-23 might be seen as a metaphor for spiritual blindness or the absence of God’s presence.
Moral interpretations seek to find ethical teachings and lessons within the text. For example, the plagues can be interpreted as lessons on the consequences of disobeying God’s commands, as well as the moral wrongs of slavery.
Bible
Key words
Bible: The holy book for Christians, full of stories and teachings. Consequences: What happens as a result of your actions, like getting a time-out for not listening. Disobeying: Not doing what you’re told, like ignoring your parents’ rules. Ethical teachings: Lessons about what’s right and wrong, like being kind and honest. Exodus: The second book of the Bible, which tells the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt Face value: Taking something exactly as it appears, without looking for hidden meanings. God’s commands: The rules that God wants people to follow God’s presence: The feeling that God is with you, like a warm hug. Interpret: To explain or understand the meaning of something, like figuring out a secret code Literal interpretations: Understanding the Bible exactly as it’s written, like a news report. Metaphor: A way of describing something by comparing it to something else, like saying “the classroom was a zoo” when it was very noisy. Metaphorical interpretations: Looking for deeper, symbolic meanings in the Bible, like finding hidden treasure in a story. Moral interpretations: Finding lessons about right and wrong in the Bible, like learning from someone else’s mistakes Nile River: A very long river in Egypt. Non-literal interpretations: Understanding the Bible in a way that goes beyond the literal words, like finding hidden messages in a picture Plague: A widespread disease or disaster Plague of blood: When the Nile River turned to blood, according to the Bible Plague of darkness: When darkness covered the land of Egypt, according to the Bible. Slavery: When people are owned by others and forced to work without freedom Spiritual blindness: Not being able to see or understand spiritual truths, like being lost in a dark forest. Symbolic meanings: Deeper meanings hidden beneath the surface, like the moral of a story.
