Salvation in Christianity | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

The Importance of Resurrection & Ascension

Salvation for Christians

Christians believe that Jesus’ death on the cross served as a sacrifice for humanity’s sins, enabling people to be reconciled with God in Heaven after death. This is known as salvation.

• The crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension are fundamental to the Christian understanding of salvation.
• Christians describe this as “salvation through grace and spirit,” made possible by Jesus’ atoning death.
• Christians hold that God extends His grace to all people.
• The Holy Spirit guides Christians in adhering to God’s teachings and maintaining faith to attain salvation.
• This concept is illustrated in Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son.
• Atonement is significant because the sacrificial death of God’s Son was the only means to achieve salvation for humanity.
• Jesus’ actions made forgiveness for the world’s sins and reconciliation with God possible.

Salvation: Grace & Spirit

How Christians Can Achieve Salvation

• Salvation refers to being accepted by God, ensuring eternal life in Heaven. There are several ways to achieve salvation.
• Salvation by Work is the belief that acceptance by God requires adherence to His laws, such as following the commandments outlined in the scriptures.

The Bible states, “You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone” (James 2:24).

• Salvation by Faith holds that salvation is attained through active belief in God.

Scripture notes, “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law” (Romans 3:28).

• Demonstrating commitment to Christianity provides atonement for sin.
  • This can be achieved through repentance, expressing remorse for sins.
  • It is also facilitated by God’s grace, which reflects His favor toward humanity.
  • Salvation involves God forgiving humanity and humans forgiving one another.
  • Through God’s redemption, accomplished via atonement, Jesus’ death serves as a ransom, freeing Christians from the bondage of sin and death.
• To attain salvation, Christians must have faith in Christ and live according to Christian principles.