What you'll learn
The core Christian beliefs about God, Jesus, and salvation, and how they shape believers' lives.
The nature of God
- Monotheism: belief in one God who is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), omnibenevolent (all-loving) and eternal.
- The Trinity: one God in three persons — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- The problem of evil: how a loving, powerful God allows suffering.
Creation and Jesus
- God as creator (Genesis); the Word (John 1) active in creation.
- Incarnation: God became human in Jesus. Crucifixion, resurrection and ascension are central events.
- Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah.
Salvation and the afterlife
- Sin and the Fall; atonement — Jesus' death restores the relationship between God and humanity.
- Salvation by grace, faith and good works (emphasis varies by denomination).
- Beliefs about heaven, hell and judgement.
Exam tips
- Support points with sources of wisdom and authority (e.g. Bible quotations).
- For evaluation questions, give developed arguments on both sides before a justified conclusion.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Trinity with three separate gods.
- Forgetting to reference Christian teachings when explaining beliefs.