Resurrection & Ascension (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: C120
Christianity & Jesus' resurrection
The Resurrection of Jesus
The events following the crucifixion of Jesus are central to Christian belief
After the crucifixion, Jesus’s body was buried in a tomb guarded by Roman soldiers
Early on Sunday morning, three days after the crucifixion, some of Jesus’s female followers went to anoint his body with spices, but the tomb was empty
Two men in gleaming white clothes appeared and told the women that Jesus had risen from the dead
“The men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here: he has risen!’” (Luke 24:5–6)
The women informed Jesus’s disciples that the tomb was empty
For most Christians, the resurrection is the most significant event of the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension
It is the ultimate miracle that proves the divinity of Jesus while also indicating that death is not the end and that Jesus is truly the Son of God
It also provides victory over sin and death for Christians who believe that eternal life is possible
It is the foundation of Christian faith, as Paul says:
“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17)
It provides hope and comfort for Christians and gives them confidence that they too will be resurrected
It acts as an inspiration for life, encouraging Christians to remain faithful and live as Jesus taught
Christianity and Jesus's ascension
The Ascension of Jesus
Following the resurrection of Jesus, Christians believe that Jesus was in contact with his followers
The Gospel of Luke states that 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus told his disciples that they must stay in Jerusalem and that they would receive the power of the Holy Spirit
Then, Jesus ascended into heaven
“After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19)
Two men in white appeared and told the disciples that Jesus had gone to heaven
These events show Christians that Jesus’s work on Earth was finished and that salvation is accomplished
The ascension reminds Christians that Jesus has gone to heaven to prepare a place for them, so they do not need to fear death
As Jesus is no longer restricted by time, he is always with them
Christians also believe that because Jesus did not die again before ascending to heaven, the ascension shows Jesus’s divinity
It affirms Jesus’s authority in the statement that “He is now seated at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19)
It marks the beginning of the Church Mission and leads to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) and Pentecost (Acts 2)
Christians believe Jesus prepares a place for believers in heaven (John 14:2–3)
It also gives encouragement and confidence that Jesus reigns and will come again
Worked Example
What is meant by the term “resurrection”?
[2 marks]
Answer:
Resurrection means that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, showing that he had power over death [2 marks]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Try to ensure that you know why the resurrection and ascension are significant and meaningful for Christians
They are a Foundation of faith — Paul writes: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.” (1 Corinthians 15:17)
They give Christians hope of eternal life – Christians believe they too will be resurrected
It encourages Christian mission – Ascension leads to the Great Commission (“Go and make disciples … ” Matthew 28:19–20)
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