Christian Beliefs: Sin, Salvation, and Atonement

Vocabulary flashcards covering Christian beliefs concerning sin, models of atonement, the three means of salvation, and core doctrinal concepts from the specification.

Sin

Any thought, word, or action that breaks God's moral laws, creating a spiritual separation between humans and a holy God.

Original Sin

The belief held by many Christians that all human beings inherit a flawed nature that leads them to commit wrongdoings, beginning at the origin of humanity.

Atonement

The act of healing and restoring the broken connection and relationship between humans and God (literally meaning "at-one-ment").

Penal Substitution

An understanding of atonement popular among Evangelical and Traditional Protestant Christians that treats sin as a crime or financial debt; Jesus acted as a substitute by taking the full punishment and guilt of human sin on the cross to satisfy God's justice.

Moral Influence

An understanding of atonement popular among Liberal and Orthodox Christians that rejects the idea of God demanding violent punishment, viewing Jesus' death instead as the ultimate demonstration of God's unconditional love that softens human hearts and inspires repentance.

Repentance

Genuine sorrow for one's sins that inspires a person to turn back to God.

1 John 2:2

Scriptural passage stating: "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."

Salvation

A way for Christians to be rescued from the consequences of their sin (such as spiritual death and judgement).

Law (Means of Salvation)

A means of salvation that provides God's clear rules and standards, guiding Christians toward moral behaviour and revealing God's expectations for a righteous life so they know how to please Him.

Grace (Means of Salvation)

A means of salvation offering unconditional love and forgiveness through Jesus that cannot be earned by good deeds alone; Jesus' sacrifice on the cross pays the penalty for human sin, granting undeserved pardon.

Spirit (Means of Salvation)

A means of salvation in which the Holy Spirit lives inside believers to actively guide, inspire, and strengthen them daily, providing the power to resist temptation, turn away from sin, and put God's law into practice.

Trinity

The Christian teaching regarding the oneness of God existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Incarnation

The Christian belief and teaching about Jesus taking human form as the Son of God.

Role of Word and Spirit in Creation

Key Christian beliefs about creation referenced in biblical passages such as Genesis 1:1-3 and John 1:1-3.