Directions:
You must reference at least two specific Bible passages.
You must reference at least two quotes from Mere Christianity.
Section 1 - Choose 1 prompt (at least 1 page double-spaced)
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Discuss the intersection of Jesus’ two natures: being a true historical figure and truly the Son of God who can forgive sins.
+ What factors play a role in determining who Jesus really is? -
Discuss the resurrection of Jesus as the key event in the Christian narrative.
+Include factors involving the death, burial, and post-resurrection appearances. Why is this a crucial event in the Christian faith?
Section 2 (at least 1 paragraph)
3. Who do you say Jesus is? (Explain)
The core function of Christianity is that Jesus forgives the sins of human beings, and this was necessarily a fact if he were still alive. According to the Bible, John 19:35, “But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.” This excerpt directly proved his death, and it not only emphasized the truth of the resurrection but also claimed that this was a crucial event. According to Mere Christianity, Book 2, Chapter 3, he is either a liar, a lunatic, or a lord, and this also supports the key event of the Christian narrative. According to John 19:30, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” This also proves that resurrection is essential because it is the validation of “it is finished” that the cross truly achieved redemption instead of a single meaningless death. According to John 19:41, 42, “At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” It suggests that the burial is concrete and sets up why resurrection is not a vague concept but is presented as a claim tied to a precise thing. After that, in John 20:20, “After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.“ Jesus appears and shows the disciples his hands and his side marks that directly connect the crucified body in John 19 to the risen Christ. Moreover, in John 20:27, “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” These appearances also support this because they transform the meaning of the resurrection into the vindication of Jesus’ identity, which proves that death confirms it as an effective redemption.