The Resurrection

    WJEC
    GCSE

    The Resurrection constitutes the central epistemological and ontological claim of the Christian faith, positing the bodily or spiritual rising of Jesus of Nazareth from the dead. This study necessitates a rigorous critical analysis of the New Testament narratives (Gospels and Pauline Epistles) regarding their historical reliability, theological coherence, and hermeneutical implications. Candidates must evaluate the tension between the Resurrection as a verifiable historical event (Pannenberg, Wright) and as a mythological or existential symbol (Bultmann), while assessing its soteriological function as the mechanism for atonement and the eschatological promise of the 'first fruits' of the general resurrection.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • 1 Corinthians 15:14 - 'And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless'
    • Luke 24 - The account of the empty tomb and the road to Emmaus
    • The Ascension - Jesus returning to the Father (Acts 1)
    • Parousia - The Second Coming linked to the Resurrection
    • 39 Articles of Religion - Anglican definition of the Resurrection

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have described the event well; now explain why this event guarantees salvation for believers"
    • "Integrate a specific quote from 1 Corinthians 15 to support your point about life after death"
    • "Your evaluation is one-sided; consider how a liberal Christian might interpret the empty tomb differently"
    • "Link the Resurrection to the concept of Atonement to show deeper theological understanding"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for explicit reference to 1 Corinthians 15 regarding the necessity of resurrection for the validity of faith
    • Credit explanation of the link between the Resurrection and the defeat of sin and death (Atonement)
    • Candidates must distinguish between the physical event and its spiritual significance for believers today
    • Evaluation in 'Discuss' questions must weigh literal interpretations against metaphorical understandings of the empty tomb

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 'Discuss' (15 mark) questions, always provide a counter-argument to demonstrate 'consideration of more than one point of view'
    • 💡Memorise 1 Corinthians 15:14 to use as a versatile quote for questions on afterlife, salvation, or the nature of Jesus
    • 💡Allocate 20-25 minutes to the Part D question to ensure sufficient depth of analysis
    • 💡Use precise religious terminology like 'Incarnation', 'Atonement', and 'Parousia' rather than everyday language

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing the Resurrection (rising from the dead) with the Ascension (returning to Heaven)
    • Providing a narrative retelling of the empty tomb without explaining its theological significance
    • Failing to include specific Sources of Wisdom and Authority (scripture) in 15-mark answers

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    What is
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    To what extent

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