What you'll learn
This revision guide covers the essential Christian beliefs and teachings required for WJEC GCSE Religious Studies. You'll explore the nature of God, the person and work of Jesus Christ, creation, the afterlife, and salvation. These foundational concepts form the theological basis of Christianity and appear regularly in exam questions requiring explanation, analysis, and evaluation.
Key terms and definitions
Trinity — the Christian belief that God exists as three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) in one divine being, co-equal and co-eternal
Incarnation — the belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ, fully divine and fully human simultaneously
Atonement — the reconciliation between God and humanity achieved through Jesus' death on the cross
Resurrection — the belief that Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, demonstrating victory over sin and death
Omnipotent — all-powerful; God has unlimited power to do anything logically possible
Omniscient — all-knowing; God knows everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen
Benevolent — all-loving and all-good; God desires the best for humanity
Salvation — being saved from sin and its consequences, allowing believers to enter eternal life with God
Core concepts
The nature of God
Christians believe God possesses several key attributes that define His nature:
God as omnipotent, omniscient and eternal
God's omnipotence means He has unlimited power. Genesis 1 demonstrates this through creation: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The ability to create something from nothing (creation ex nihilo) shows ultimate power. However, Christian theology recognizes God cannot perform logical impossibilities (like creating a square circle) or act against His own nature (like sinning).
God's omniscience encompasses complete knowledge of past, present, and future. Psalm 139:1-4 expresses this: "You know when I sit and when I rise...before a word is on my tongue you know it completely." This raises philosophical questions about free will that students should be prepared to discuss.
God is eternal — existing outside time, without beginning or end. Revelation 22:13 states: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
God as benevolent and just
God's benevolence is demonstrated through creation, providing for humanity, and offering salvation. 1 John 4:8 declares "God is love." This loving nature motivates God's actions toward humanity.
Divine justice means God is perfectly fair, rewarding good and punishing evil. This creates a theological tension: how can a loving God allow suffering or punish people eternally? This problem of evil is a common evaluation question.
The Trinity
The Trinity is one of Christianity's most complex doctrines. It asserts:
- There is one God
- God exists in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit
- Each person is fully God
- The three persons are distinct but inseparable
Biblical evidence includes:
- Matthew 28:19: "baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
- The baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17): Jesus in the water, the Spirit descending as a dove, the Father's voice from heaven
The Nicene Creed (325 CE) formally established Trinitarian doctrine. Each person has distinct roles: the Father creates and sustains, the Son redeems through incarnation and atonement, the Spirit guides and empowers believers.
Creation
Biblical accounts
Genesis contains two creation narratives:
- Genesis 1:1-2:3 presents creation in six days, with humans (male and female) created together on day six in God's image
- Genesis 2:4-25 focuses on humanity's creation, with Adam formed first from dust, then Eve from Adam's rib
"Image of God" (imago Dei) means humans reflect God's nature through rationality, creativity, moral awareness, and ability to have relationships. This gives humans unique value and dignity.
Christian interpretations
Literalists (often Fundamentalist Christians) believe Genesis describes actual historical events occurring in six 24-hour days approximately 6,000-10,000 years ago. They reject evolutionary theory as contradicting Scripture.
Non-literalists interpret Genesis symbolically or metaphorically. They may accept:
- The Big Bang theory and evolution as describing how God created
- The "days" as long periods or literary devices
- Genesis as theological truth (God created purposefully) rather than scientific description
Many Christians hold that science and faith are compatible, viewing scientific discoveries as revealing God's methods.
Stewardship
Genesis 1:28 commands humans to "fill the earth and subdue it." This raises questions about environmental responsibility.
Stewardship means humans are caretakers of creation, responsible to God for how they treat the environment. This supports conservation, sustainable development, and animal welfare. Christians might engage in environmental activism, reduce consumption, or support organizations protecting creation.
The person of Jesus Christ
The Incarnation
The Incarnation (from Latin incarnatio, "becoming flesh") is the belief that the eternal Son of God became human in Jesus Christ. John 1:14 states: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."
Key aspects:
- Jesus is fully divine and fully human (not half-and-half)
- The Incarnation was necessary for salvation — only God could atone for sin, but only a human could represent humanity
- Jesus experienced genuine human life: birth, growth, temptation, suffering, death
The virgin birth (Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38) emphasizes Jesus' divine origin. Mary conceived through the Holy Spirit while remaining a virgin, demonstrating that Jesus' birth was miraculous and his nature unique.
The crucifixion
Jesus was executed by crucifixion under Roman governor Pontius Pilate around 30-33 CE. The Gospel accounts record:
- Betrayal by Judas Iscariot
- Trial before Jewish and Roman authorities
- Flogging and mockery
- Crucifixion at Golgotha alongside two criminals
- Death after approximately six hours
The crucifixion's significance lies not in the method but in its purpose: atonement for human sin.
Resurrection and ascension
The Resurrection occurred three days after Jesus' death. Gospel accounts describe:
- The empty tomb discovered by women followers
- Multiple appearances to disciples over 40 days
- Jesus eating, talking, and being physically touched
The Resurrection validates Jesus' divine identity and demonstrates victory over death. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17: "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile."
The Ascension (Acts 1:9-11) describes Jesus returning to heaven 40 days after resurrection. He promised to return (the Second Coming) to judge humanity and establish God's kingdom fully.
Atonement and salvation
Theories of atonement
Atonement explains how Jesus' death reconciles humanity with God. Major theories include:
Substitution/Penal Substitution: Jesus took the punishment humanity deserved for sin. God's justice required punishment, which Jesus bore as our substitute. Isaiah 53:5: "the punishment that brought us peace was on him."
Moral Influence: Jesus' death demonstrates God's love, inspiring people to change. Abelard (1079-1142) taught that seeing God's love motivates transformation.
Ransom: Jesus' death was a ransom payment freeing humanity from slavery to sin and Satan. Mark 10:45: "The Son of Man came...to give his life as a ransom for many."
Salvation through grace and faith
Salvation cannot be earned through good works alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 states: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...not by works."
Grace is God's undeserved favor and love. Salvation is a gift offered freely.
Faith means trusting in Jesus Christ for forgiveness. This faith should produce good works as evidence (James 2:26: "faith without deeds is dead"), but works don't earn salvation.
Different denominations emphasize varying aspects:
- Catholics stress faith expressed through sacraments and works
- Protestants emphasize salvation by faith alone (sola fide)
Life after death
Christian beliefs about the afterlife
Christianity teaches physical death is not the end. Beliefs include:
Resurrection of the body: Believers will receive transformed, imperishable bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). This resurrection body will be physical yet glorified, like Jesus' resurrection body.
Heaven: Eternal life in God's presence, characterized by joy, peace, and worship. Revelation 21:4 promises: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain."
Hell: Eternal separation from God. Interpretations vary:
- Traditional view: conscious eternal torment as punishment for rejecting God
- Annihilationism: the unsaved cease to exist rather than suffering eternally
- Metaphorical understanding: hell represents spiritual separation rather than a literal place
Purgatory (Catholic teaching): A state of purification for those who die in God's grace but need cleansing before entering heaven. Not accepted by Protestant denominations.
Judgement
Christians believe in judgement after death:
- Particular judgement: Each person judged individually at death
- Final judgement: All humanity judged when Christ returns (Matthew 25:31-46)
Judgement criteria include faith in Christ and treatment of others. The Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) emphasizes caring for the needy.
Worked examples
Example 1: Four-mark question
Explain two Christian beliefs about the nature of God. [4 marks]
Mark scheme approach: Two beliefs, each with development/detail (2 marks each).
Model answer: Christians believe God is omnipotent, meaning He has unlimited power [1 mark]. This is shown in Genesis where God creates the universe from nothing, demonstrating supreme power [1 mark]. Christians also believe God is benevolent, meaning all-loving and desiring good for humanity [1 mark]. This is demonstrated through God sending Jesus to die for human sins, showing ultimate sacrificial love (John 3:16) [1 mark].
Example 2: Five-mark question
Explain two ways in which a belief in the Trinity influences Christians today. [5 marks]
Mark scheme approach: Two influences, detailed explanation showing clear connection (2 marks + 3 marks, or split evenly).
Model answer: Belief in the Trinity influences Christian worship practices [1 mark]. Christians baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), reflecting the Trinitarian formula [1 mark]. This shows that all three persons are equally important and involved in the believer's spiritual life [1 mark].
The Trinity also influences how Christians pray and relate to God [1 mark]. They may pray to the Father, through the Son (Jesus as mediator), and in the power of the Holy Spirit, recognizing each person's distinct role while worshipping one God [1 mark].
Example 3: Fifteen-mark evaluation question
"The resurrection is the most important Christian belief." Evaluate this statement giving arguments to support and challenge this view, showing you have considered more than one point of view. You must refer to Christian sources of wisdom and authority in your answer. [15 marks]
Model answer structure:
Arguments supporting (6-7 marks worth):
- Paul states "if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile" (1 Corinthians 15:17), making resurrection foundational
- Resurrection proves Jesus is divine and validates his claims
- Provides hope for eternal life and overcomes death's finality
- Distinguishes Christianity from other religions
Arguments challenging (6-7 marks worth):
- The Incarnation could be considered more important as without God becoming human, there would be no resurrection
- Atonement through crucifixion achieves salvation, which is Christianity's central purpose
- The Trinity defines God's nature, which is fundamental to all other beliefs
- Different Christians prioritize different doctrines based on denomination
Conclusion (should reach a justified judgement, 1-2 marks):
- While all beliefs interconnect, the resurrection holds unique importance as empirical evidence of Jesus' divinity
- However, it cannot be separated from incarnation and atonement
- The statement has merit but oversimplifies Christianity's interconnected belief system
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Confusing the Trinity with three separate Gods: Remember, Christianity is monotheistic. The Trinity is three persons in one divine being, not three gods (that would be tritheism).
Mixing up incarnation and resurrection: Incarnation is God becoming human in Jesus; resurrection is Jesus rising from death. These are distinct events with different theological significance.
Treating all Christians as identical: Acknowledge denominational differences. Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants interpret doctrines differently, particularly regarding salvation, purgatory, and sacraments.
Providing descriptions instead of explanations: Don't just state what Christians believe; explain why they believe it or how it affects their lives, especially in four-mark and five-mark questions.
Using vague biblical references: Be specific. "The Bible says..." is weaker than "In John 3:16..." or "Genesis 1 describes..." Direct quotations score higher when accurate.
One-sided evaluation answers: Fifteen-mark questions require balanced arguments supporting and challenging the statement. Aim for roughly equal development of both sides before reaching your conclusion.
Exam technique for "Christianity: Beliefs and Teachings"
Understand command words: "Explain" requires developed points with detail/example (not just listing). "Evaluate" demands arguments for multiple viewpoints with a reasoned conclusion.
Use sources of wisdom strategically: Biblical quotations and references demonstrate knowledge and support arguments. Aim for at least 2-3 references in fifteen-mark evaluation questions, showing you can integrate scripture naturally.
Structure fifteen-mark answers clearly: Use paragraphs for different arguments. A successful structure: introduction stating your position, 3-4 supporting paragraphs, 3-4 challenging paragraphs, conclusion with justified judgement.
Develop every point fully: In four-mark questions, don't just state two beliefs—explain each with biblical support or contemporary application. In five-mark questions, show how or why beliefs influence Christian behavior today.
Quick revision summary
Christianity teaches God is omnipotent, omniscient, benevolent, and exists as Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). God created the universe, giving humans special status as image-bearers with stewardship responsibilities. The Incarnation means God became human in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus' crucifixion (atonement), Christians receive salvation by grace through faith. Jesus' resurrection validates his divinity and promises resurrection for believers. Christians believe in life after death including heaven, hell, and judgement, with denominational variations on details like purgatory.