Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      Key learning points

      1. Resurrection means being raised from the dead in the afterlife, as well as Jesus coming back to life after his death.
      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. Belief in resurrection is important because it confirms belief in Jesus and confirms that death is not the end.
      5. 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 - the belief that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, conquering death; also refers to the form that many Christians believe the afterlife will take

      Common misconception

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

      Many Christians believe that Jesus' resurrection is proof that resurrection is possible for ordinary 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

      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

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The of the Rich Man and Lazarus is often used to support a belief in judgement.

      Correct Answer: Parable, parable

      Q2.
      According to Christian beliefs, what will God’s judgement be based on?

      Correct answer: a person’s actions and faith during their lifetime
      a person’s family background and social status
      whether a person experienced suffering in life

      Q3.
      What is the final judgement (the Day of Judgement)?

      a Christian holiday celebrating God’s justice
      a time when people decide whether they want to enter heaven
      Correct answer: a future event when God will judge everyone at the end of time

      Q4.
      Which parable is often used to support belief in the Day of Judgement?

      The Parable of the Lost Coin
      The Parable of the Prodigal Son
      Correct answer: The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

      Q5.
      Why do many Christians believe judgement is necessary?

      Correct answer: because it ensures justice and holds people accountable for their actions
      because it gives people a second chance to change after death
      because it guarantees that everyone goes to heaven

      Q6.
      How does the belief in judgement influence Christian behaviour?

      it makes Christians believe they can do whatever they want
      Correct answer: it encourages Christians to help others and follow Jesus’ teachings
      it has no impact on their daily lives

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Many Christians believe in the resurrection of the after death.

      Correct Answer: body, Body

      Q2.
      The Nicene contains teachings about resurrection and eternal life.

      Correct Answer: Creed, creed

      Q3.
      What does resurrection mean in Christianity?

      the belief that people are reincarnated after death
      the idea that only Jesus will live forever
      Correct answer: the belief that Jesus rose from the dead and that humans can also be raised

      Q4.
      Which Bible passage discusses the idea of a ‘spiritual body’ after resurrection?

      Genesis 1:1
      Correct answer: 1 Corinthians 15:42-44
      John 3:16

      Q5.
      How does belief in resurrection influence Christian funeral practices?

      it leads all Christians to prefer cremation
      it has no influence on funeral traditions
      Correct answer: it influences prayers, hymns and burial practices

      Q6.
      How does a belief in resurrection influence Christian views on cremation?

      Correct answer: some Christians prefer burials so the body may remain whole for resurrection
      most Christians insist on cremation
      Christians believe the body is not important after death

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