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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      Key learning points

      1. Sin refers to actions against God's laws or wishes; these actions lead to a separation between God and humans.
      2. Salvation means to be delivered from sin and its consequences, leading to eternal life.
      3. Many Christians believe that salvation comes through God's grace, Jesus' death and resurrection.
      4. Some Christians believe that salvation can also come through the law of the Bible, and through the Holy Spirit.
      5. Beliefs about sin and salvation have a profound impact on Christian beliefs and practices, including worship.

      Keywords

      • Grace - the unconditional and generous love that God shows to people who do not deserve it

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

      • Salvation - a deliverance from sin and punishment as a result of Jesus being crucified on the cross

      • Sin - behaviour which is against God's laws and wishes/against Christian principles of morality

      Common misconception

      The means of salvation are grace, Jesus, biblical law and the Holy Spirit, which are distinct and separate from each other.

      These concepts are intertwined. Grace can come through Jesus, the law of the Bible and the Holy Spirit.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to remind students of Christian beliefs about the Trinity (specifically the Holy Spirit) and the crucifixion of Jesus prior to this lesson.

      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.
      Jesus’ was found empty by some of his female followers.

      Correct Answer: tomb, Tomb

      Q2.
      How many days after the resurrection did the ascension occur?

      Correct answer: 40 days
      3 days
      7 days

      Q3.
      Which Gospel states that two men in gleaming clothes appeared at the tomb?

      Matthew
      Mark
      Correct answer: Luke

      Q4.
      What does Jesus’ resurrection confirm for Christians?

      that he was a prophet
      that he never really died
      Correct answer: that he conquered death

      Q5.
      What happened to Jesus at the ascension?

      Correct answer: he was taken up to heaven
      he returned to the tomb
      he stayed on earth with his disciples

      Q6.
      refers to being saved from sin and its consequences.

      Correct Answer: Salvation, salvation

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Many Christians believe that humans have inherited a sinful nature from Adam and Eve, a belief known as sin.

      Correct Answer: original, Original

      Q2.
      Which of the following is not considered a means of salvation?

      grace
      Jesus
      biblical law
      Correct answer: wealth

      Q3.
      What is sin in Christianity?

      Correct answer: behaviour that goes against God’s laws and wishes
      a mistake that has no consequences
      an action that benefits others

      Q4.
      Which Christian group often emphasises the role of the Holy Spirit in worship?

      Catholic Christians
      Orthodox Christians
      Correct answer: Evangelical Christians

      Q5.
      What does Genesis teach about free will?

      that humans do not have a choice in their actions
      Correct answer: that Adam and Eve were given a command but had the choice to obey
      that God forces people to follow His laws

      Q6.
      What happened at Pentecost according to Acts 2?

      Jesus rose from the dead.
      Moses received the Ten Commandments.
      Correct answer: The apostles were given the ability to speak in different languages.

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Sin and salvation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...