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      Beliefs about the afterlife: resurrection

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain Christian belief in resurrection and the importance and influence of this belief for Christians today.

      Key learning points

      1. Resurrection refers to being raised from the dead.
      2. Many Christians believe that Jesus’ resurrection is proof that resurrection is possible in the afterlife.
      3. Christian beliefs about resurrection originate from the Bible, and are supported by later Christian sources.
      4. The belief in resurrection can influence the thoughts and actions of individual Christians and Christian communities.

      Keywords

      • Afterlife - what follows the physical life on earth; life after death

      • Influence - the ability to shape and change someone's thoughts, beliefs, or actions

      • Resurrection - being raised from the dead; the form that many Christians believe the afterlife will take, referring to either physical or spritual bodies

      Common misconception

      Christians believe that Jesus will be the only person to resurrect.

      Many Christians believe that Jesus' resurrection is proof that resurrection is possible for orindary people in the afterlife.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to print a copy of 1 Corinthians 15:42-55 and read the full passage with students.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keywords to the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:Trinity,the belief that God exists as three Persons in one being

      the belief that God exists as three Persons in one being

      Correct Answer:Creation,the belief that God brought the universe into existence

      the belief that God brought the universe into existence

      Correct Answer:Judgement,God’s decision about each person’s afterlife

      God’s decision about each person’s afterlife

      Q2.
      What does the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats teach about judgement?

      Correct answer: God will reward those who help others in need
      everyone will automatically go to heaven
      Jesus taught that judgement does not exist
      only the rich will be judged

      Q3.
      How does belief in judgement influence Christians?

      Correct answer: It encourages Christians to follow Jesus’ teachings.
      It means Christians do not need to do good deeds.
      It teaches that only Jesus will be judged.
      It makes Christians afraid of God.

      Q4.
      Which of the following best describes the Christian belief in the Trinity?

      there are three separate gods
      Correct answer: God exists as three Persons in one being
      Jesus is the only true God
      the Trinity refers to three different religions

      Q5.
      What is one way the belief in creation influences Christians today?

      Correct answer: they believe caring for the earth is important
      they believe the world was created by humans
      they ignore the environment because God will fix it
      they believe Genesis teaches science

      Q6.
      Which of the following statements is true about Christian interpretations of Genesis?

      All Christians believe Genesis is a scientific account of creation.
      Correct answer: Some Christians see Genesis as metaphorical, while others take it literally.
      No Christians believe in Genesis today.
      The Genesis accounts only apply to Jewish beliefs.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keywords to the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:afterlife,being raised from the dead (either physical or spiritual bodies)

      being raised from the dead (either physical or spiritual bodies)

      Correct Answer:resurrection,is the belief in being raised from the dead

      is the belief in being raised from the dead

      Correct Answer:influence,shape/change someone’s thoughts, beliefs, or actions

      shape/change someone’s thoughts, beliefs, or actions

      Q2.
      Which of the following statements is true?

      Many Christians believe that resurrection will only happen to Jesus.
      Correct answer: Many Christians believe that resurrection is possible for ordinary people.
      Many Christians do not believe in resurrection.

      Q3.
      According to Christian belief, where does the teaching about resurrection come from?

      only the Nicene Creed
      only the Bible
      Correct answer: the Bible, as well as later sources such as the Nicene Creed and the Catechism

      Q4.
      What does 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 teach about resurrection?

      the physical body is imperishable but not eternal
      Correct answer: the resurrection body will be different: imperishable and spiritual
      resurrection is only for Jesus and not for ordinary people

      Q5.
      Complete the following from the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the , and the life everlasting. Amen.”

      Correct Answer: resurrection of the body, Resurrection , Resurrection of the body

      Q6.
      How might belief in resurrection influence a Christian’s actions?

      Correct answer: It encourages Christians to follow Jesus’ teachings and live a moral life.
      It means that Christians are never afraid of death.
      It discourages Christians from spreading their faith.

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