What you'll learn
This topic examines three pivotal events in Christian belief: Jesus's death by crucifixion, his resurrection three days later, and his ascension into heaven. These events form the foundation of Christian theology regarding salvation, atonement and eternal life. WJEC GCSE Religious Education papers regularly test understanding of why these events matter to Christians, their theological significance, and how they influence Christian practice today.
Key terms and definitions
Crucifixion — a Roman method of execution where victims were nailed or tied to a wooden cross and left to die; Jesus's crucifixion took place at Golgotha around 30-33 CE.
Resurrection — the belief that Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, demonstrating his divine nature and victory over death and sin.
Ascension — the event forty days after the resurrection when Jesus was taken up into heaven to be with God the Father, as witnessed by his disciples.
Atonement — the reconciliation between God and humanity achieved through Jesus's sacrificial death, restoring the relationship broken by sin.
Salvation — deliverance from sin and its consequences, made possible through faith in Jesus's death and resurrection.
Son of God — the Christian belief that Jesus is the second person of the Trinity, both fully divine and fully human.
Original Sin — the Christian doctrine that all humans inherit a sinful nature from Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden.
Vicarious suffering — the belief that Jesus suffered and died on behalf of humanity, taking the punishment that humans deserved for their sins.
Core concepts
The crucifixion of Jesus
The crucifixion occurred in Jerusalem during the Roman occupation of Judea. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane after being betrayed by Judas Iscariot. He faced trial before the Jewish religious authorities (the Sanhedrin) and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.
Key aspects of the crucifixion narrative:
- Jesus was sentenced to death despite Pilate finding "no basis for a charge" against him (Luke 23:4)
- He was forced to carry his cross to Golgotha, "the place of the skull"
- Roman soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross between two criminals
- Jesus spoke seven final statements from the cross, including "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34)
- Darkness covered the land from noon until 3pm when Jesus died
- The temple curtain tore in two from top to bottom (Mark 15:38)
- A Roman centurion declared "Surely this man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:39)
Theological significance for Christians:
The crucifixion demonstrates God's love for humanity. John 3:16 states: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Christians believe Jesus's death was necessary for atonement — making amends for human sin.
Different Christian traditions interpret the atonement in various ways:
- Substitutionary atonement — Jesus took the punishment humans deserved, dying in their place
- Ransom theory — Jesus's death paid the price to free humanity from slavery to sin and death
- Moral influence theory — Jesus's sacrifice demonstrates God's love, inspiring humans to turn away from sin
The crucifixion fulfils Old Testament prophecies, particularly Isaiah 53:5: "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him."
The resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection represents the cornerstone of Christian faith. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:14: "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith."
Gospel accounts of the resurrection:
- On the Sunday morning following crucifixion (the third day), women disciples found Jesus's tomb empty
- An angel (or angels) announced "He is not here; he has risen!" (Matthew 28:6)
- Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first (John 20:11-18)
- He appeared to the disciples multiple times over forty days
- Over 500 people witnessed the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:6)
- Jesus ate food and invited Thomas to touch his wounds, proving he had a physical body (John 20:24-29)
Evidence Christians cite for the resurrection:
- The empty tomb — if Jesus had not risen, authorities could have produced the body
- The transformation of the disciples from fearful followers to bold preachers willing to die for their beliefs
- The emergence and rapid growth of the early Church
- The change from Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday worship
- The eyewitness testimony recorded in the Gospels
Theological importance:
The resurrection proves Jesus is the Son of God with power over death. Christians believe it demonstrates:
- Victory over sin and death for all believers
- The promise of eternal life — "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25)
- Jesus's divinity and authority
- The future resurrection of all believers at the end of time
- Hope in the face of suffering and mortality
The resurrection validates Jesus's teachings and his claims about himself. It reverses the curse of death introduced by original sin and offers believers participation in Christ's resurrected life.
The ascension of Jesus
The ascension occurred forty days after the resurrection. Acts 1:9-11 describes the event: "After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight."
Key features of the ascension:
- Took place on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem
- Jesus blessed his disciples before ascending
- Two angels appeared, promising Jesus would return "in the same way you have seen him go into heaven"
- Disciples worshipped Jesus and returned to Jerusalem with great joy (Luke 24:52)
Significance for Christians:
The ascension marks Jesus's return to God the Father and his glorification in heaven. Christians believe:
- Jesus now sits "at the right hand of God" (Mark 16:19), a position of honour and authority
- He intercedes for believers, acting as their advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1)
- The ascension fulfilled Jesus's mission on Earth
- It made way for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (ten days later)
- Jesus reigns as King over all creation
- He will return in glory at the Second Coming to judge the living and the dead
The ascension demonstrates Jesus's dual nature as both human and divine. His physical departure while promising spiritual presence gives Christians confidence that he remains with them "to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
Impact on Christian life and practice
These three events shape Christian worship, ethics and hope:
Worship and sacraments:
- The Eucharist (Holy Communion) remembers Jesus's sacrificial death
- Sunday worship celebrates the resurrection
- The cross becomes Christianity's central symbol
- Easter services commemorate crucifixion (Good Friday) and resurrection (Easter Sunday)
Christian living:
- Believers are called to "take up their cross" and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23)
- The resurrection provides hope during suffering and bereavement
- Christians aim to live "resurrection lives" characterised by new life and transformation
- Baptism symbolises dying and rising with Christ (Romans 6:4)
Mission and evangelism:
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) sends Christians to make disciples of all nations
- Preaching centres on the "kerygma" — the proclamation of Jesus's death and resurrection
- Christians witness to their faith, following the disciples' example
Different Christian interpretations
While all mainstream Christians affirm the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension as historical and theological facts, some interpretations vary:
Liberal Christians may emphasise the moral and spiritual meaning over physical/historical details. They might view the resurrection as the disciples' experience of Jesus's continuing spiritual presence rather than literal bodily resurrection.
Conservative/Evangelical Christians typically insist on the literal, physical nature of all three events. They stress the resurrection as a historical fact that can be investigated through evidence.
Catholic and Orthodox Christians incorporate these events into their liturgical calendar and sacramental theology more explicitly than many Protestant traditions.
Quakers and some liberal denominations focus on the "Christ within" and may downplay doctrinal specifics about the resurrection in favour of its transformative spiritual meaning.
Worked examples
Example 1: AO1 knowledge question (5 marks)
Explain Christian beliefs about the resurrection of Jesus.
Model answer:
Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, demonstrating his power over death and sin. The Gospel accounts describe how women found his tomb empty on the Sunday morning, and angels announced "He has risen." Jesus then appeared to his disciples multiple times over forty days, eating with them and showing his wounds to Thomas, proving he had a physical body. The resurrection is the foundation of Christian faith, as Paul writes "if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless." It proves Jesus is the Son of God and offers believers the promise of eternal life and their own future resurrection. The resurrection validates all Jesus's teachings and claims about himself.
Mark scheme guidance: 5 marks for detailed explanation showing accurate knowledge, appropriate use of technical terms (resurrection, Son of God, eternal life), specific biblical references, and clear connection between the event and its theological significance.
Example 2: AO2 evaluation question (15 marks)
"The resurrection is the most important Christian belief." Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.)
Model answer structure:
Arguments supporting the statement: The resurrection is central to Christianity because Paul explicitly states "if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile" (1 Corinthians 15:17). Without the resurrection, Jesus would be just another failed prophet, not the Son of God. The resurrection proves Jesus's divinity and his victory over death, offering believers eternal life. It transformed the disciples from frightened followers into bold evangelists willing to die for their faith. Every Sunday service celebrates the resurrection, and Easter is Christianity's most important festival. The resurrection distinguishes Christianity from other religions and gives hope to believers facing death.
Arguments against the statement: Some Christians argue the crucifixion is more important because it achieved atonement for sin. Without Jesus's sacrificial death, humanity would remain separated from God. The cross is Christianity's central symbol, not the empty tomb. Others might argue the incarnation (God becoming human) is most important, as this made salvation possible. The teachings of Jesus, particularly about love and forgiveness, could be considered more practically important for Christian living. Catholics might emphasise the Eucharist, while Pentecostals might stress the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion with personal evaluation: While different Christian traditions emphasise different aspects, the resurrection remains uniquely important because it validates everything else. The crucifixion would mean nothing without the resurrection to demonstrate its effectiveness. However, these beliefs form an interconnected whole — the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension work together to achieve salvation.
Mark scheme guidance: Higher band marks (10-15) require sustained argument, evidence from scripture/tradition, alternative viewpoints genuinely considered, and personal evaluation that doesn't just repeat arguments.
Example 3: AO1 short answer (2 marks)
Give two reasons why the crucifixion is important to Christians.
Model answer:
- Christians believe Jesus's death achieved atonement, reconciling humanity with God by taking the punishment for sin.
- The crucifixion demonstrates God's love for humanity, as shown in John 3:16.
Mark scheme guidance: 1 mark per correct reason, clearly stated. Must be specific reasons, not just "it's in the Bible" or vague statements.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake: Confusing the ascension with the resurrection or describing them as the same event. Correction: The resurrection occurred three days after crucifixion when Jesus rose from death; the ascension happened forty days later when Jesus returned to heaven. Always specify which event and when it occurred.
Mistake: Stating "Christians believe Jesus came back to life as a ghost or spirit" when discussing resurrection. Correction: The Gospel accounts emphasise Jesus's physical resurrection body — he ate food, showed his wounds, and could be touched. Christians believe in bodily resurrection, not just spiritual survival.
Mistake: Writing evaluation answers that only present one viewpoint or listing points without development. Correction: WJEC mark schemes reward "more than one point of view" explicitly. Always include alternative Christian perspectives or counter-arguments, then evaluate their relative strength.
Mistake: Claiming "Jesus died for everyone's sins so Christians don't need to be good people." Correction: Christians believe salvation comes through faith in Jesus's sacrifice, but this faith should produce transformation and good works. Faith without works is considered dead (James 2:17).
Mistake: Failing to link these events to Christian practice when answering "impact" or "importance" questions. Correction: Always connect beliefs to practice — mention the Eucharist, Sunday worship, Easter services, baptism symbolism, or how these beliefs provide hope during suffering.
Mistake: Using vague phrases like "the Bible says" without specific references. Correction: Learn key biblical citations (John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 15:14, Mark 15:39, Acts 1:9) and use them to support answers, showing precise knowledge examiners reward.
Exam technique for "Beliefs and teachings in Christianity: the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus"
AO1 (knowledge) questions asking you to "describe," "explain," or "outline" require accurate factual content. Include specific details (names, places, biblical references), use technical vocabulary correctly, and organise answers with clear structure. For 5-mark questions, aim for 3-4 developed points or 5 brief points.
AO2 (evaluation) questions with "discuss," "to what extent," or quote evaluation require balanced argument. Follow the structure: explain the statement's supporting arguments with evidence, present alternative viewpoints with equal detail, then provide reasoned personal evaluation. Top band marks (10-15 out of 15) require substantiated conclusion that weighs arguments rather than just repeating them.
Command words matter: "Describe" wants factual account; "explain" requires reasons/causes/significance; "evaluate/discuss" demands weighing different views. Match your answer style to the command word to access higher mark bands.
Biblical references boost marks when used accurately and relevantly. Learn 5-6 key quotations for this topic and practice weaving them naturally into answers. Don't force irrelevant quotations, but appropriate scripture demonstrates precise knowledge that mark schemes reward explicitly.
Quick revision summary
Jesus's crucifixion in Jerusalem achieved atonement for human sin through vicarious suffering, demonstrating God's love (John 3:16). The resurrection three days later proved Jesus's divinity, offering believers victory over death and the promise of eternal life — Paul calls it foundational to faith. The ascension forty days afterward saw Jesus return to heaven, where he intercedes for believers and reigns until the Second Coming. Together, these events form Christianity's core salvation narrative, shaping worship (Eucharist, Easter), practice (taking up one's cross), and hope (resurrection life). Christians debate their relative importance, but all agree these interconnected events distinguish Christianity from other faiths and provide the basis for evangelism.