Benchmark Essentails - Updated Template
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Benchmark—Gospel Essentials
Landon Keathley
Grand Canyon University
CWV-101: Christian Worldview
Joseph Miller
11/18/2023
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Benchmark—Gospel Essentials
In at least 150 words, complete your introductory paragraph with a thesis statement
in which you will address each of the sections. The main concepts of the Christian Worldview are composed of a variety of key elements, many of which stem from the gospel. The gospel discusses God, Jesus, and the proper way for people to live; without it, the Christian worldview would either completely cease to exist
or be drastically different. The nature of God, the Nature of Humanity, the Nature of Jesus, and Restoration are among the essential components. While each component is significant on its own, together they form an essential part of the Christian worldview. The nature of God, humanity, Jesus, and restoration will all be discussed in this essay along with their importance within the Christian worldview. Additionally, I will analyze the Christian worldview's benefits, compare the concept of salvation to Atheism, as well as provide answers to some common questions regarding Christianity. I will begin with my summary of the essential components of the Christian Worldview.
Gospel Essential Beliefs
Nature of God
In at least 200 words, respond thoroughly to the questions in the assignment. Be sure to include citations
. The key foundation of the Christian worldview is that although God is divine in nature, he is composed of three entities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All of creation was spoken into existence by the Father. The term "son" refers to Jesus Christ, who was sent to earth
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to atone for human sin by dying on the cross. Colossians 1:16 reads, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him". This verse is a direct reference to Jesus, stating that everything was created for him. Finally, the Holy Spirit is regarded as a source
of direction or a sense of God with us on earth, providing seven gifts upon confirmation to aid in the development of a person's faith in God. Psalm 139:7 says, "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?" This verse highlights the omnipresence of the Spirit of God, indicating that there is no place one can go to escape from the presence of the Holy Spirit. While his identities are important, his attributes are what distinguishes him as a divine creator. “While Genesis 1 and 2 present God primarily as a sovereign Creator, these are certainly not God's only attributes. Some attributes distinctly belong to God. Some of these attributes include that he is unchanging, eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present.” (Textbook Chapter 3 pg.77). The best way to describe God is perfect, he is everything and everything is him. His creations exhibit these traits and prove his divinity. All that exists is the work of God, his work is evident wherever you turn. Nature’s beauty, your friends and family, as
well as your life experiences all prove the existence of God.
Nature of Humanity
In at least 200 words, respond thoroughly to the questions in the assignment. Be sure to include citations. Because of their creation in God's image, humans display attributes and characteristics that reveal their true nature. “The capacity for love, the capacity for selflessness, the capacity for
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prayer and communion with God, and the capacity for fairness are a few of these traits inherent in human nature”(Fabian 385). God wants to have a relationship with humanity and wants humanity to have a relationship with him as well. However, due to the fall at the beginning of mankind, humanities relationship with God has been permanently damaged with the introduction
of sin into the world.”
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”(Romans 5:12) All of humanities problems are a result of the fall, granting us a sinful nature and imperfections that God did not intend for us to have. Through the actions of Adam and Eve, our relationship with God has been damaged, however, God is forgiving and doesn’t give up on his creation. Through repentance, humanity can be cleansed of sins and can maintain a wonderful relationship with God by following his word, worshipping, praying, and having faith. This process shows God's love and power of redemption. Through this restoration, people not only find forgiveness but also find a sense of purpose, joy, and new desire to live in accordance with God's divine plan.
Nature of Jesus
In at least 200 words, respond thoroughly to the questions in the assignment. Be sure to include citations. Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, he is fully divine, yet fully human. He shares the same nature with God the Father and the Holy spirit, otherwise known as the Holy Trinity. The miracles he performed and his ability to heal and forgive the sins of humanity prove his divinity and that he is fully human. “Also, Jesus's mercy toward others is amply seen. Often in the Gospels, he would eat and drink with groups of sinners, not because he condoned their sinful behavior, but because he came to save such people from their sins”(Textbook Chapter 5 pg.123).
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Jesus was incredibly forgiving and did everything he could to help others find God. Jesus was willing to preform many actions that most would never attempt, for the sole purpose of serving God. Colossians 1:15-20 depicts Jesus’ willingness to take human form for the purpose of redemption, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation... For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." This verse from Colossians explains that Jesus is the perfect representation and manifestation of God the Father, stating that all things, visible or invisible, were created by Jesus and for Jesus. This reinforces the
idea of Jesus’ divine role as the creator, while being fully human. The verse also explains that Jesus died for our sins, achieving reconciliation between God and humanity. The Christian Worldview places a great emphasis on the belief that Jesus is the Messiah, fully God, yet fully human, and he was sent to die on the cross to save us from our sins. This sacrifice revealed that humans can have eternal life through God. By following his word and believing in God and his word, we can repent our sins and strive to uphold a relationship with our creator.
Restoration
In at least 200 words, respond thoroughly to the questions in the assignment. Be sure to include citations. The ultimate goal for Christians is to live an eternal life through repentance and faith. Humanity’s sins are inevitable due to our nature, however, through faith in God and repentance for our sins, we can be saved by God and achieve eternal life with him in Heaven. Restoration is extremely significant within the Christian faith because it a reconnection with God. Humanities sins can be forgiven through repentance, a way for us to leave sin behind and look towards a path
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of redemption. People who can find a new life through Christ can be “born again” into a new life
of faith and transformed purpose, experiencing a profound shift in their worldview and priorities.
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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come”(2 Corinthians 5:17). This spiritual rebirth opens the doors for new opportunities, such as embracing the teachings of the lord, finding redemption, forgiveness, and a renewed sense of identity through a relationship with God. This shift in identity also extends to interpersonal relationships and societal interactions. The Christian worldview, grounded in the principles of love and compassion, encourages believers to display forgiveness and grace towards others, creating a community that expresses empathy and understanding. In conclusion, the Christian worldview not only transforms individuals internal perspective but also inspires expression of love and empathy for others.
Christian Foundations
In at least 200 words, respond thoroughly to the questions in the assignment. Be sure to include citations. The Nature of God, The Nature of Humanity, The Nature of Jesus, and Restoration are all
extremely important to the Christian worldview and the beliefs of Christians. The core belief of Christianity is that there is one God, embodying three persons know as the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The belief that God portrays himself through these three entities is extremely important to the Christian worldview and sets the foundation for their beliefs. Another
important belief is the idea of salvation through faith. “Salvation distinguishes Christianity from other religions because it creates implications for human responsibility”(Young Shin 377). This concept is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, stating that salvation cannot be earned through
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human efforts, rather it is graciously offered by God. Ephesians 2:8-9 clarifies this concept, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
not a result of works, so that no one may boast." This verse develops the idea that God’s kindness can only be offered through faith in his word. Salvation through faith is incredibly important to Christians because it lays a path towards eternal life through God.
Another fundamental belief of Christians is atonement, centered upon the belief that Jesus’s death upon the cross atones for human sin. This sacrifice addressed the separation between humanity and God, providing a way for reconciliation. Corinthians 5:21 depicts this sacrifice “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This verse from the New Testament expresses the true nature of Jesus, who took on the sins of humanity, allowing believers to be regarded as righteous in the eyes of God. The atonement is extremely valuable to Christian faith because it allows a relationship with God and forgiveness for sins.
Analysis of the Implications of the Christian Worldview
Human Value and Dignity
What are the benefits or strengths of the Christian worldview as it relates to human value and dignity? (50 words)
The Christian worldview emphasizes the inherent value and dignity of every individual, viewing humans as created in the image of God. The perspective emphasises strong morals, compassion, and the pursuit of justice and equality. The Christian Worldview encourages
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committment to serving others and promoting the good of a society. It holds the belief that all lives are valuable and that we should uphold the dignity of every person.
Comparison of Salvation in Christianity to Another World Religion
Compare the Christian concept of salvation in contrast to any other worldview perspective (50 words). Christianity asserts salvation through faith in Jesus for eternal life. Other world perspectives, such as Atheism, do not recognize the concept of eternal life. Additionally, Atheism focuses on personal responsibility to achieve personal fulfillment rather than divine intervention. In comparison, on the topic of salvation, Christianity and Atheism are on the opposite ends of the spectrum.
Influence on a Person’s Thinking and Behavior
How does the Christian worldview influence a person's thinking and behavior? (50 words) The Christian worldview influences a person’s thinking through the influence of religious teachings. Compassion, forgiveness and selflessness are prevailing moral principles, which are derived from the Bible’s principles. The Bible uses scripture to inspire a persons thinking and behavior, yet also emphasises that no human is perfect and offers forgiveness for sins. Troublesome or Confusing Elements in Christianity
What do people find troublesome or confusing about Christianity and why? (50 words) Christianity is seen as troublesome and confusing for a number of reasons. For many, it’s the difficulty of understanding the complexities of the Trinity. For others, it’s the challenge
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of understanding how a loving God can allow people to suffer so greatly. And still, others find the diversity of beliefs within Christianity hard to comprehend.
Conclusion
In at least 150 words, synthesize the main points, pulling the ideas of the paper together. The goals of this paper were to delve into the foundational elements of the Christian worldview, exploring the Nature of God, Humanity, Jesus, and Restoration. It aims to analyze the significance of each concept and what role they play in the Christian Worldview. By understanding the core elements and fundamentals of the Christian Worldview, one can better apply these principles to their everyday life and live in accordance with Christian morals and beliefs. By living for God, one can become “reborn” and expect a higher quality of life through his word. The Christian Worldview places a large emphasis on compassion and empathy, and this paper proves the value of these characteristics as an individual aswell as in a community. Human’s inherently seek purpose within their life, and the Christian Worldview provides purpose through Christian teachings. Life is extremely difficult to navigate, but when one can dedicate their life towards God, they find an unwavering source of strength, guidance, and purpose that transcends the challenges. Through faith, individuals can discover a profound sense of peace, resilience, and an anchor that supports them through life's uncertainties, providing a new perspective through difficulties and a path towards spiritual fulfillment.
References
Joo, Young Shin. “Christian Worldview: Christian Philosophy Today.” Calvin Theological Journal
, vol. 56, no. 2, Nov. 2021, pp. 387–90. EBSCOhost
,
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direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLAi5IE211129001273&site=eds-live&scope=site.
Grassl, Fabian F. “C.S. Lewis and the Christian Worldview: A Philosophical, Theological, and Apologetic Exploration.” European Journal of Theology
, vol. 30, no. 2, 2021, pp. 373–76. EBSCOhost
, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLAiAZI220425002326&site=eds-live&scope=site.