Jesus Christ: Incarnation, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension

Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity. Christians believe he is the Son of God who became human, died to save humanity from sin, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven. These events form the foundation of Christian faith and worship.

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The Incarnation

The incarnation means "God becoming flesh." Christians believe that God took on human form in the person of Jesus Christ.

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." (John 1:14)

Key Beliefs about the Incarnation

• Jesus was both fully God and fully human — this is known as the hypostatic union
• Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary
• The incarnation shows that God loves humanity so much that he entered the world to save it
• Jesus experienced human suffering, temptation, and death — he understands human experience

Aspect	Detail
Virgin Birth	Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born to Mary. Joseph was his earthly father but not his biological father.
Purpose	God became human to save humanity from sin and to reveal God's nature and will
Significance	Shows God's love; makes salvation possible; demonstrates that God understands human suffering

Exam Tip: The incarnation is significant because it connects God to humanity. Without the incarnation, Christians believe there would be no salvation, as God needed to become human to die for human sins.

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The Crucifixion

The crucifixion is the event of Jesus being put to death on a cross. Christians believe this is the most significant event in history.

Events Leading to the Crucifixion

1. Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot for 30 pieces of silver
2. He was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane
3. He was tried before the Jewish council (Sanhedrin) and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate
4. He was sentenced to death by crucifixion
5. He was mocked, beaten, and forced to carry his cross
6. He was crucified at Golgotha (the Place of the Skull) between two criminals

The Seven Last Words from the Cross

Jesus spoke several significant phrases from the cross, including:

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34)

"It is finished." (John 19:30)

Why the Crucifixion Matters

• It is the ultimate act of sacrifice — Jesus gave his life for humanity
• It demonstrates God's love — "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son" (John 3:16)
• It makes atonement possible — Jesus paid the price for human sin
• It fulfils Old Testament prophecy about a suffering servant (Isaiah 53)

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The Resurrection

The resurrection is the Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. This is the most important Christian belief.

"He is not here; he has risen!" (Luke 24:6)

Evidence for the Resurrection (as presented in the Gospels)

• The empty tomb — discovered by women on Sunday morning
• Post-resurrection appearances — Jesus appeared to his disciples, to Thomas, and to over 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:6)
• The transformation of the disciples — from fearful, hiding followers to bold preachers willing to die for their faith

Why the Resurrection Matters

Significance	Explanation
Proof of divinity	The resurrection proves Jesus is the Son of God
Victory over death	Death has been conquered; eternal life is possible
Foundation of faith	"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile" (1 Corinthians 15:17)
Promise of eternal life	Christians will also be raised from the dead
Basis for Easter	The most important Christian festival celebrates the resurrection

Exam Tip: The resurrection is THE central claim of Christianity. Be prepared to explain why St Paul said that without it, Christian faith is meaningless.

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The Ascension

The ascension refers to Jesus being taken up into heaven 40 days after the resurrection.

"He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." (Acts 1:9)

graph LR
    A["Incarnation<br/>God becomes flesh"] --> B["Ministry<br/>Teaching and miracles"]
    B --> C["Crucifixion<br/>Good Friday"]
    C --> D["Resurrection<br/>Easter Sunday"]
    D --> E["Ascension<br/>40 days later"]
    E --> F["Pentecost<br/>Holy Spirit comes"]

Significance of the Ascension

• Jesus returned to be with God the Father in heaven
• He is now seated at the right hand of God — a position of authority and power
• The ascension shows that Jesus has authority over heaven and earth
• It prepares the way for the Holy Spirit to come at Pentecost
• It gives Christians the hope that they too will be with God in heaven

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Summary

The incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ form the core narrative of Christian belief. Together, they demonstrate God's love for humanity, make salvation possible, and provide the foundation for Christian hope in eternal life. These events are celebrated throughout the Christian year and are central to Christian worship and prayer.

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Worked example: Catholic vs Protestant views on the crucifixion and atonement

Although every Christian denomination accepts that Jesus died on the cross for human sin, they interpret how his death achieves salvation differently. Comparing Catholic and Protestant (especially Reformed/Evangelical) views on the atonement shows how the same event (the crucifixion) can be read through different theological lenses.