The Incarnation and Salvation (1RA0)

Two central beliefs

This topic joins two of the biggest Christian beliefs: the Incarnation (that God became human in Jesus) and salvation (how Christians believe humanity is rescued from sin). Throughout, remember to write about what Christians believe, and that Christians hold a range of views.

The Incarnation

Christians believe that in Jesus, God took human form. This is the Incarnation, from Latin meaning "in the flesh". Jesus is understood as the Son of God, fully God and fully human at the same time.

What is the Incarnation?

A student writes: "Christians believe Jesus was a very good man who taught people about God." Why would an examiner say this misses the Incarnation?

• It leaves out the belief that Jesus is fully God as well as fully human
• It describes Jesus's teaching rather than the miracles he is said to have performed
• It is too short to be awarded any marks at all
• It does not mention that Jesus is believed to have been born in Bethlehem

Salvation terms

The problem and the remedy

Christian teaching on salvation sets out a problem and a remedy. Getting both halves into an answer is what turns a description into an explanation.

Original sin

Four students describe original sin. Which description would an examiner credit?

• A tendency to sin that all humans share, which many Christians trace back to the Fall
• The single worst sin that a person is capable of committing in their life
• The first sin a person commits once they are old enough to know better
• A punishment God gives each person individually for their own wrongdoing

Christian beliefs about salvation

Select the THREE statements that reflect common Christian beliefs about salvation.

• Salvation comes through God's grace
• Faith in Jesus is central to receiving salvation
• Jesus's resurrection is understood as a victory over death
• Humans earn salvation entirely by themselves, without God
• Salvation is shown by the wealth a person gathers in this life
• Salvation is achieved by memorising the books of the Bible

Atonement and resurrection

Two more terms an examiner looks for by name. Christians hold a range of views on exactly how the atonement is understood to work.

What is atonement?

A student writes: "The atonement is when Jesus died on the cross." What would an examiner most want them to add?

• What Christians believe his death achieves: repairing the relationship between God and humanity
• The date on which the crucifixion is generally thought to have taken place
• The name of the hill outside Jerusalem where the crucifixion took place
• The names of the Roman officials who are said to have ordered the execution

The last days of Jesus

Put these events from the end of Jesus's life in order, as told in the Gospels.

• The Last Supper
• Arrest and trial
• Crucifixion
• Resurrection
• Ascension

Find the source of authority

An examiner is looking for a source of authority in this answer. Tap the part that provides one.

• Christians believe God became human in Jesus.
• I think this is a beautiful idea
• .
• John 1:14 describes the Word becoming flesh and living among people
• .
• It is definitely what happened
• .

Writing it in the exam

Three habits turn knowledge of this topic into marks: • Name the term. Incarnation, original sin, grace, atonement, resurrection. The word itself earns credit. • Support it with a source of authority. A named Bible reference, or a Christian teaching. • Acknowledge that Christians differ. Write "many Christians believe" or "some Christians hold", rather than speaking for all of them.

Build the answer

You are answering: "Explain two Christian beliefs about salvation." Build it one decision at a time.

• You need your first belief. Which opening gives the examiner something to credit straight away?
• The mark scheme wants that belief developed. What should come next?
• Now add a source of authority. Which of these is one?
• Finally, how should you word the second belief so it reflects the range of Christian views?

Belief summary

Christians believe the _____ is God becoming human in Jesus. Humanity is separated from God by _____. Through Jesus's death, or the _____, and his _____ from the dead, Christians believe salvation is possible.

Write the five-marker

Explain two Christian beliefs about the significance of Jesus's death and resurrection. Refer to a source of Christian belief and teaching in your answer.

• Give your first belief, then develop it: say what Christians believe it achieves.
• Name the term wherever you can: atonement, resurrection, salvation, grace.
• Support at least one belief with a source of authority, such as John 3:16.
• Give a second, different belief and develop that one too.
• Use wording such as "many Christians believe", since Christians hold a range of views.