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      Salvation and the role of Christ

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain Christian beliefs about salvation, including the role of Christ, and the importance and influence of these beliefs.

      Key learning points

      1. Salvation is the process of being saved from sin and its consequences through God's grace.
      2. Salvation is needed because sin creates a separation between humans and God.
      3. For many Christians, salvation can be achieved through God's grace, the Bible's law, and the Holy Spirit.
      4. Most Christians believe Jesus' death and resurrection provide salvation by enabling atonement between God and humanity.
      5. Beliefs about salvation are important because they highlight God's nature, strengthen faith, and guide practices.

      Keywords

      • Atonement - the reconciliation of God and humanity accomplished through the life, suffering, and death of Christ

      • Grace - the undeserved love and mercy given to humanity by God because of his desire, not because of human action

      • Sin - an act against the will or law of God

      • Holy Spirit - the third Person of the Trinity; believed to be present with believers since Pentecost and active on earth

      • Salvation - the deliverance of humanity from sin

      Common misconception

      Jesus should have used his divine power to avoid his crucifixion.

      Jesus went through with the crucifixion because he knew it would bring about a greater good.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to provide students with a copy of John 3:10-21 to support slide 39.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of serious crime

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      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 key term to its definition.

      Correct Answer:Gospels,the books in the Bible that record Jesus’ life and resurrection

      the books in the Bible that record Jesus’ life and resurrection

      Correct Answer:resurrection,Jesus coming back to life after his crucifixion

      Jesus coming back to life after his crucifixion

      Correct Answer:ascension,Jesus going up to heaven 40 days after rising from the dead

      Jesus going up to heaven 40 days after rising from the dead

      Q2.
      What happened when Jesus’ followers visited his tomb?

      The tomb was guarded by Ancient Roman soldiers.
      Correct answer: The stone had been rolled away and the tomb was empty.
      Jesus was waiting for them outside.

      Q3.
      According to the Gospels, what was Jesus doing when he ascended?

      Correct answer: blessing his disciples
      eating a meal
      preaching in the temple

      Q4.
      Where did Jesus ascend to, according to Christian belief?

      the desert
      a mountaintop
      Correct answer: heaven

      Q5.
      Why do many Christians believe in life after death?

      Jesus’ birth proves it
      Correct answer: Jesus’ resurrection shows life after death is possible
      the disciples said it must be true

      Q6.
      What did the women see at Jesus’ tomb, according to Luke’s Gospel?

      nothing unusual
      Correct answer: two men in shining clothes
      Jesus standing there

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      In Christianity, is an act against the will or law of God.

      Correct Answer: sin, Sin

      Q2.
      Many Christians believe that salvation is a gift from God, given through his ...

      Correct Answer: grace, Grace

      Q3.
      What do many Christians believe Jesus’ resurrection proves?

      that he was a prophet
      Correct answer: that salvation and eternal life are possible
      that he never actually died

      Q4.
      What is salvation in Christianity?

      living a good life
      worshipping regularly
      Correct answer: being saved from sin and its consequences

      Q5.
      Why do Christians believe Jesus’ death was important for salvation?

      It was a punishment for his sins.
      Correct answer: It was a sacrifice to restore the relationship between God and humans.
      It showed his followers how to accept suffering.

      Q6.
      How do some Christians believe the Holy Spirit helps with salvation?

      Correct answer: by guiding people toward God and strengthening their faith
      by punishing sinners
      by ensuring people obey all laws

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Salvation and the role of Christ, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...