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Redemption is a key Christian belief in the idea that humanity can be saved from sin - redeemed - through the actions of Jesus. Jesus is often described as the Example, the Restorer or the Victor:

• The Example - Jesus acted as a model of perfect human behaviour, living without sin. Even when suffering at his crucifixion, he showed compassion and forgiveness towards his executioners. This shows that Jesis is the ultimate example for other Christians.
• The Restorer - Jesus broke the barrier between God and humanity when he died, atoning for the sins of humankind and repairing the humans' relationship with God which had been broken by sin.
• The Victor - Jesus was victorious over pain and death. Jesus showed this by healing people, but ultimately through the miracle of the resurrection.

Salvation

Following the mistake made by Adam and Eve that led to evil entering the world, God offered salvation. In Christianity, salvation allows a human soul to be saved from death and allowed to enter Heaven.

How did Jesus’ death lead to salvation?

• God gave his only son, Jesus, so that humans could be saved.
• Jesus was a perfect human - he had no sin.
• God placed the sins of the world upon him at his crucifixion.
• Jesus’ actions meant that there was reconciliation between God and humanity - his death made up for human sin.

Salvation is an ongoing process, and Christians still have to choose not to sin. The Holy Spirit is a guide through life and helps humans to work for salvation.

Catholic Christians believe that salvation will only be completed at the end of time.

The Mass re-enacts Christ’s offering of himself, and Catholics feel inspired to work towards salvation in their everyday lives having experienced this celebratory sacrament of the Eucharist, which is part of the Mass.

Life after death

Christians believe that, following physical death of the body, the soul lives on. This is known as the immortality of the soul.

Christians believe in the resurrection of the body at a Day of Judgement, when God will judge everyone individually and they will be sent to Heaven or Hell.

Catholics believe in a place called Purgatory, where sins are punished and where a person’s soul undergoes purification before it can go to Heaven.

Some Christians do not believe that Heaven and Hell are necessarily physical places, instead believing that they could be states of mind. For example, Heaven could be a place of unending happiness.

On the other hand, Hell will be a horrible place that is without God. In Christianity, Hell is often shown as a place full of fire.

Pope John Paul II said that Hell is a metaphor for how people who have rejected God will feel.

Personal judgement

Catholics believe that people are judged when they die based on their individual actions. This is called personal or individual judgement. However, they also believe that it is still possible that Catholics will be judged again at the Last or Final Judgement. This is often referred to as the Day of Judgement.