What you'll learn
This revision guide covers all core Christian beliefs and teachings required for the WJEC GCSE Religious Education specification. You'll explore foundational doctrines including the nature of God, creation, Jesus Christ, salvation, and eschatology. These notes prepare you to answer questions worth up to 15 marks across all question types.
Key terms and definitions
Trinity — the Christian belief that God exists as three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) who are co-equal and co-eternal, yet one divine being
Incarnation — the Christian doctrine that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ, fully divine and fully human
Atonement — the reconciliation between God and humanity achieved through Jesus' death on the cross, which Christians believe removed the barrier of sin
Salvation — being saved from sin and its consequences, enabling eternal life with God; achieved through faith in Jesus Christ
Resurrection — the Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, demonstrating victory over death and sin
Omnipotent — all-powerful; God's ability to do anything consistent with his nature
Benevolent — all-loving and all-good; God's nature of perfect love and goodness toward creation
Transcendent — existing beyond and outside the physical universe; God's separateness from creation
Core concepts
The nature of God
Christians believe God possesses specific characteristics that define his divine nature:
God as omnipotent, omniscient and eternal
- God is all-powerful and can accomplish anything consistent with his nature
- God is all-knowing, aware of past, present and future
- God has no beginning or end, existing outside time
- Genesis 1:1 demonstrates God's power: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"
- Psalm 147:5 affirms: "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit"
God as benevolent and just
- God demonstrates perfect love toward all creation
- God acts with complete fairness and righteousness
- These attributes sometimes create theological tension: how can a loving God allow suffering?
- 1 John 4:8 states: "God is love"
- Christians believe God's justice demands consequences for sin, but his love provides salvation
God as transcendent and immanent
- Immanent means God is actively involved in the world and human lives
- God is both beyond creation (transcendent) and within it (immanent)
- Christians experience God's immanence through prayer, worship and the Holy Spirit
- Isaiah 55:8-9 expresses transcendence: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways"
The Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity is central to most Christian denominations, though understood differently by some groups.
God the Father
- The creator and sustainer of all existence
- Portrayed as loving parent who cares for creation
- Jesus taught his followers to pray to "Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9)
- Demonstrates authority and sovereignty over the universe
God the Son (Jesus Christ)
- The second person of the Trinity who became incarnate
- Fully God and fully human simultaneously
- John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us"
- Through Jesus, Christians believe God experienced human life directly
God the Holy Spirit
- The third person of the Trinity, active in the world today
- Guides, comforts and empowers believers
- Present at creation (Genesis 1:2) and at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:16)
- Came upon the disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2), enabling the spread of Christianity
Understanding the Trinity
- Not three separate gods (that would be tritheism)
- Not one God appearing in three modes (that's modalism, considered heretical)
- Three distinct persons sharing one divine essence
- The Nicene Creed (325 CE) established this orthodox understanding
- Some Christians (Unitarians, Jehovah's Witnesses) reject the Trinity
Creation
Christian beliefs about creation stem primarily from Genesis 1-3 and inform their understanding of humanity's relationship with God.
Biblical creation accounts
- Genesis 1: Systematic six-day creation, humans created last in God's image
- Genesis 2: More detailed account focusing on Adam and Eve
- Christians interpret these accounts literally, metaphorically, or as symbolic truth
- Creation ex nihilo means God created from nothing, demonstrating his omnipotence
Humanity in God's image
- Humans are created in the image of God (imago Dei) - Genesis 1:27
- This means humans possess:
- Rationality and intelligence
- Moral awareness
- Creativity
- Capacity for relationship with God
- Humans have special status and responsibility as stewards of creation
- This belief underpins Christian views on human dignity and sanctity of life
The Fall and original sin
- Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating forbidden fruit (Genesis 3)
- This brought sin and death into the world
- Original sin is the Christian doctrine that all humans inherit a sinful nature
- The Fall damaged the relationship between God and humanity
- Christians believe this explains evil, suffering and human moral failings
Jesus Christ: Incarnation and earthly ministry
Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity, understood as both fully God and fully human.
The Incarnation
- God became human in Jesus approximately 2000 years ago
- Virgin birth accounts (Matthew 1, Luke 1-2) emphasize Jesus' divine origin
- Philippians 2:6-7: Jesus "being in very nature God... made himself nothing... being made in human likeness"
- The Incarnation demonstrates God's love and desire for relationship with humanity
- Enables Jesus to be the perfect mediator between God and humans
Jesus' life and teachings
- Born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth
- Baptized by John the Baptist, beginning his public ministry around age 30
- Taught about the Kingdom of God through parables and sermons
- Performed miracles demonstrating divine authority (healing, nature miracles, raising the dead)
- Challenged religious authorities, befriended outcasts
- Taught radical ethics: love your enemies, turn the other cheek, forgive repeatedly
Key titles of Jesus
- Messiah/Christ: the anointed one promised in Jewish scripture
- Son of God: emphasizing divine nature
- Son of Man: emphasizing human nature and identifying with humanity
- Lord: indicating authority and divinity
Crucifixion, resurrection and ascension
These events form the foundation of Christian salvation theology.
The crucifixion
- Jesus was arrested, tried and executed by crucifixion under Pontius Pilate
- Christians see this as a willing sacrifice for humanity's sins
- Mark 10:45: Jesus came "to give his life as a ransom for many"
- The cross became Christianity's central symbol
- Good Friday commemorates this event
Atonement theories Christians have developed various explanations for how Jesus' death brings salvation:
- Substitution: Jesus took the punishment humans deserved for sin
- Ransom: Jesus' death paid the price to free humans from sin's power
- Moral influence: Jesus' sacrifice inspires transformation and demonstrates God's love
- Different denominations emphasize different theories
The resurrection
- Christians believe Jesus rose bodily from death on the third day (Easter Sunday)
- Appeared to disciples over 40 days (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)
- Proves Jesus' divine identity and power over death
- Offers hope of resurrection for believers
- Paul states: "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (1 Corinthians 15:14)
The ascension
- Jesus returned to heaven 40 days after resurrection (Acts 1:9)
- Christians believe Jesus is now in heaven interceding for believers
- Promised to return in the future (Second Coming/Parousia)
Salvation and life after death
Christian soteriology (doctrine of salvation) addresses how humans can be reconciled with God.
Achieving salvation
- Faith in Jesus Christ is essential for most Christians
- Protestant emphasis: salvation by grace through faith alone (sola fide)
- Catholic/Orthodox emphasis: faith demonstrated through works and sacraments
- Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith"
- Baptism often seen as marking entry into Christian life
Judgment
- Christians believe all people face judgment after death
- Some believe in particular judgment (immediately after death)
- Final judgment occurs when Christ returns
- Matthew 25:31-46 describes judgment based on treatment of others
- Criteria involves both faith and actions, understood differently by denominations
Heaven
- Eternal life in God's presence
- Place or state of perfect peace, joy and fulfillment
- Reunion with deceased believers
- Revelation 21:4 promises no more "death or mourning or crying or pain"
- Beatific vision: seeing God face to face
Hell
- Eternal separation from God
- Traditional view: place of conscious torment
- Alternative views: annihilation (ceasing to exist) or temporary purification
- Jesus used vivid imagery (fire, darkness) to describe hell
- Raises questions about God's justice and love
Purgatory
- Catholic/Orthodox belief in intermediate state of purification
- For those who die in God's grace but still need cleansing
- Not a second chance for unbelievers
- Protestant denominations generally reject this doctrine
Worked examples
Example 1: AO1 question (5 marks)
Explain two Christian beliefs about the nature of God. (5 marks)
Model answer: Christians believe God is omnipotent, meaning he is all-powerful and can do anything consistent with his nature. This is demonstrated in Genesis 1:1 where God creates the heavens and the earth simply by speaking them into existence. Christians trust that God has power over all circumstances in their lives.
Christians also believe God is benevolent, meaning he is all-loving and completely good. This is shown in 1 John 4:8 which states "God is love." Christians believe this loving nature motivated God to send Jesus to save humanity from sin, demonstrating his care for all people despite their failings.
Mark scheme notes: 5 marks for two developed beliefs with religious teaching. Each belief should be explained clearly (1 mark) with development/example (1 mark) and ideally scriptural support (additional development).
Example 2: AO1 question (8 marks)
Explain two ways the resurrection of Jesus is important for Christians. (8 marks)
Model answer: The resurrection is important because it proves Jesus' divine identity and authority. When Jesus rose from the dead, it demonstrated he had power over death itself, which only God possesses. This confirmed his claims to be the Son of God rather than just a human teacher. Christians believe this validates everything Jesus taught and means they can trust his promises about eternal life.
The resurrection is also important because it gives Christians hope for their own resurrection. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15 that if Christ was not raised, faith would be pointless, but because he was raised, believers will also be raised. Christians believe they will receive resurrection bodies like Jesus' glorified body. This hope helps Christians face death without fear and gives meaning to present suffering, knowing it is temporary. The resurrection is celebrated at Easter, the most important Christian festival, showing its central importance to faith.
Mark scheme notes: 8 marks requires two well-developed explanations showing depth and breadth of understanding. Include specific religious teaching, consequences/implications, and demonstration of how the belief affects Christian life.
Example 3: AO2 question (15 marks)
"The Trinity is impossible to understand, therefore Christians should not believe in it." Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) (15 marks)
Model answer structure: Arguments supporting the statement (4-5 marks worth):
- The Trinity does seem logically contradictory (one God in three persons)
- Human reason struggles with the concept
- Bible never explicitly uses the word "Trinity"
- Some Christians (Unitarians) reject it without losing faith
- If God is incomprehensible, how can we have relationship?
Arguments against the statement (4-5 marks worth):
- Mystery doesn't mean false—many scientific truths are difficult to fully comprehend
- Trinity is based on biblical evidence (baptism of Jesus shows all three persons)
- Creeds and Church councils established this doctrine after careful thought
- Analogy of water (ice, liquid, steam) helps understanding even if imperfect
- Faith involves trust beyond complete understanding
- Trinity reflects the complexity of God's nature
Conclusion (2-3 marks): A balanced judgment considering both sides. Strong answers might argue that difficulty understanding doesn't invalidate truth, or that faith and reason work together, or that the Trinity reflects experience of God even if incompletely understood.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Confusing the Trinity with three separate gods: Remember, Christians believe in one God who exists as three co-equal, co-eternal persons. Use precise language: "three persons, one God," not "three gods" or "three parts."
Mixing up atonement theories: Different Christians hold different views on how Jesus' death achieves salvation. Don't present one theory as if all Christians believe it identically. Use phrases like "some Christians believe" or specify denominations when appropriate.
Forgetting to reference scripture: WJEC mark schemes reward specific biblical references. Learn key verses for major topics: John 1:14 (Incarnation), 1 Corinthians 15:14 (resurrection importance), Genesis 1:27 (image of God).
Treating all Christians as identical: Roman Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestant denominations differ on salvation, purgatory, sacraments and authority. Show awareness of diversity, especially for AO2 evaluation questions.
Writing everything you know rather than answering the question: A 5-mark question needs two developed points, not eight underdeveloped ones. Read the question carefully, identify how many examples/beliefs are requested, and develop each one fully.
Weak evaluation in AO2 questions: Simply stating "some agree, some disagree" earns minimal marks. Develop arguments with reasoning, examples, and counter-arguments. Reach a supported conclusion rather than sitting on the fence.
Exam technique for "Christianity: Beliefs and Teachings"
Master command words: "Explain" (AO1) requires showing understanding by developing points with examples and religious teaching. "Evaluate/Discuss" (AO2) requires weighing arguments and reaching a reasoned judgment, not just describing different views.
Use the mark tariff to guide answer length: 5-mark questions need approximately 8-10 minutes and two developed points. 15-mark questions need 20-25 minutes with sustained arguments on both sides plus a justified conclusion. Don't write three pages for 5 marks.
Structure AO2 answers clearly: Start with arguments supporting the statement, then arguments against, then your conclusion. Use paragraph breaks. Don't mix points randomly. The examiner should easily see both perspectives.
Learn quotations strategically: You don't need to memorize entire chapters, but knowing 10-15 key biblical references shows depth. "As it says in the Bible" scores less than "As John 3:16 states: 'For God so loved the world...'"
Quick revision summary
Christianity is monotheistic, believing in one God who exists as Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is omnipotent, benevolent, transcendent and immanent. Humans, created in God's image, fell into sin through disobedience. God became incarnate in Jesus Christ, who lived, taught, performed miracles, died by crucifixion as atonement for sin, and rose again. Christians believe salvation comes through faith in Jesus, leading to eternal life in heaven, while rejection leads to hell. The resurrection proves Jesus' divinity and offers hope for believers' resurrection.