Redemption
Religious Studies A: AQA GCSE Religions, topic 3.1.4
Redemption
Catholics believe in Jesus as the Redeemer, or saviour, of human beings.
Act of redemption
- This is made possible because he was God made man and was therefore sinless.
- In this way, Christians believe he was able to take upon himself the sins of all people and suffer in their place, freeing them from sin.
- This act is called redemption (the act of being saved from sin).
Jesus' death
- Jesus’ death is considered an act of self-sacrifice because Jesus freely chose to die, even though he was sinless.
- As an act of love for all human beings, it made up for all their sins.
- It was also an act of obedience to God’s will which made up for the disobedience shown by Adam and Eve, and by all human beings.
- Jesus’ violent, innocent death is considered an example of God’s grace; his free gift to all humanity.
Quotes about Jesus' death
- ‘The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ [Matthew 20:28 NIV]
- ‘The redemption won by Christ consists in this, that he came to give his life as a ransom for many.’ [CCC 622]
Jesus' resurrection
- By rising from the dead Jesus conquered death, and this meant that human beings were once again able to receive eternal life in heaven.
- Resurrection signifies new life and a new life of grace between human beings and God.
- All Christians believe they share in this new life and are brothers and sisters in Jesus.
- Paul says that the belief in the resurrection is the foundation of all Christian teaching (I Corinthians 15:14).
Jesus' ascension
- Many Catholics believe that Jesus descended into hell after he died (known as the ‘Harrowing of Hell’), but was then resurrected from the dead on the third day, before finally going up to heaven. This is called the ascension.
- For many Catholics, the ascension confirms that all believers can hope to follow Jesus one day and live with God in heaven.
Test yourself on Redemption
What do Catholics think of Jesus' death?