In what ways does the belief in the resurrection of Jesus affect a Christians actions in worship and everyday life?

GCSE Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)

Tariq Husseini

In what ways does the belief in the resurrection of Jesus affect a Christians actions in worship and everyday life

The belief in the resurrection of Jesus has affected many Christian’s actions in worship in many different ways.

Christians believe, reading from the Nicene Creed (an official statement of Christian belief, drawn up in 325AD), that:

“For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate

he suffered death and was buried,

On the third day he rose again,

In accordance with the scriptures;

He ascended into heaven

and is seated on the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead

and his kingdom will have no end.”

(Nicene Creed)

This creed was drawn up to defend the Christian Church against the argument that Jesus was not really God but simply a very good human being who was awarded ‘the rank’ of God.

Tariq Husseini

Christians, also, ponder the meaning of Jesus’ death. They, and the disciple, whom knew Jesus well, believed that he was not only an innocent person but was also the Messiah.

Also Christians look into the meaning of the Resurrection. Many Christians want to emphasise the Resurrection without talking about the death. They state that:

Jesus ‘Defeated’ Satan by dying and rising, showing that the power of God was greater than the power of Satan (Death).

Or Jesus died and was raised as an ‘Example’ to show believers that death was not the end, and ...

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Tariq Husseini

Christians, also, ponder the meaning of Jesus’ death. They, and the disciple, whom knew Jesus well, believed that he was not only an innocent person but was also the Messiah.

Also Christians look into the meaning of the Resurrection. Many Christians want to emphasise the Resurrection without talking about the death. They state that:

Jesus ‘Defeated’ Satan by dying and rising, showing that the power of God was greater than the power of Satan (Death).

Or Jesus died and was raised as an ‘Example’ to show believers that death was not the end, and all believers of Christ will be raised from the dead.

Christians today behave for many reasons.

They behave because of the ‘Death’ of Jesus by confessing if they have done wrong, repenting and being forgiven, and by then having the power to forgive those who have wronged them. Christian’s are not perfect they are just forgiven.

They behave because of the ‘Resurrection’ of Jesus by not having fear of death, by showing special care for the dying, and by looking for new signs of life breaking in on any bad experience.

Tariq Husseini

They behave because of the ‘Ascension of Jesus by continuing to experience the presence of the risen Jesus in their lives, and by experiencing his protection and help, and being able to pray to him at any time.

Also Christians behave by setting up hospices, which is showing special care to the dying. Their aims are to seek the best quality of life for patients with terminal illness, to give support to the whole family, before and after bereavement, and to provide a dignified way of death.

The hospice team consist of Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists, auxiliaries, chaplains, volunteers, who work together to care, not cure patients, for mutual support and to provide a dignified death. Dignified deaths are provided by stressing relief of physical suffering, by making patients feel at home, by advising people to seek reconciliation in relationships, by answering questions and by keeping patients and relatives fully informed.

Tariq Husseini

Christians also celebrate Easter, which emphasises the Resurrection. It is the most important festival of the Christian year. Traditional services start on Saturday night in order to remember the Resurrection:

“Very early in the morning”

(Luke 24:1)

At this point, the church is usually decorated with silver and gold, and a special ‘Pascal Candle’ is lit at midnight. Other worshippers light their candles until the whole church is filled with light, to symbolise the Sun rising, just like Jesus. Baptism vows are often renewed, and a specific hymn is sung:

“Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son,

Endless is the victory, thou o’er death hast won;

Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,

Kept the folded grave clothes where thy body lay.”

(Hymn 95-HHFT)

Christians also celebrate by remembering the ‘Ascension’ of Jesus, forty days after the Resurrection. It reminds people that Jesus is available for all men and women anywhere, not just for the disciples. There are some special prayers and readings: