Write a 1,500-2,000-word essay using at least four resources. The four resources need to include at least two course resources (textbook, topic overviews, the Bible) and at least two other sources from the GCU Library to support your points. Remember, the Bible counts as one resource regardless of how many times you use it or how many verses you cite.
Begin your paper with an appropriate introduction, including a thesis statement to introduce the purpose of the paper. Present the gospel essentials (nature of God, nature of humanity, nature of Jesus, and restoration), the Christian foundation, and an analysis of the implications of the Christian worldview.
Use the “Gospel Essentials Essay Template.” Based on the Christian worldview, write at least one paragraph for each of the following components.
Nature of God: What is the triune God like? What are God’s characteristics? What is his creation?
Nature of Humanity: What is human nature? What is human purpose? What is the root cause of human problems?
Nature of Jesus: What is Jesus’s true identity? What was Jesus’s kingdom purpose? Why is Jesus’s identity and work significant for the Christian worldview?
Restoration: What is the solution to human problems according to the Christian worldview? What role do grace, faith, and repentance play in Christian salvation? How do Christians think that the transformation of self and society happen?
Christian Foundation: Summarize how the concepts of the gospel essentials (nature of God, nature of humanity, nature of Jesus, and restoration) constitute the foundation of the Christian worldview. In other words, how are these concepts essential to the Christian worldview?
Analysis of the Implications of the Christian Worldview: Based on the previous five prompts, analyze the implications of the Christian worldview by addressing each of the following questions:
- What are the benefits or strengths of the Christian worldview as it relates to human value and dignity?
- Compare the Christian concept of salvation in contrast to any other worldview perspective.
- How does the Christian worldview influence a person’s thinking and behavior?
- What do people find troublesome or confusing about Christianity and why?
Conclusion: Synthesize the main points, pulling the ideas of the paper together.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction
The Christian worldview is an essential framework that guides the beliefs, values, and understanding of the world for Christian individuals. It is based on the Gospel essentials, which include the nature of God, the nature of humanity, the nature of Jesus, and restoration. This essay aims to explore and analyze these components of the Christian worldview, along with their implications. By examining the triune nature of God, the purpose and problems of humanity, the identity and work of Jesus, the solution to human problems, and the foundation of the Christian worldview, we will gain a deeper understanding of the Christian perspective. Furthermore, we will analyze the benefits, influence, and potential challenges of this worldview.
Nature of God
The Christian worldview acknowledges the triune nature of God, which means that God is three persons in one: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity shares the same essence, while maintaining distinct roles and relationships. This concept of the Trinity indicates the relational nature of God, emphasizing love, unity, and community. God is characterized by attributes such as omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and present everywhere at all times. The creation of God is vast and intricate, reflecting His wisdom, creativity, and sovereignty.
Nature of Humanity
According to the Christian worldview, humanity is created in the image of God, imbued with inherent dignity, value, and purpose. Human beings are unique among all of God’s creations, as they have been given the ability to reason, make choices, and experience moral responsibility. The purpose of humanity is to love and serve God, and to love and serve others. However, the root cause of human problems stems from the Fall, where mankind chose to rebel against God, introducing sin and its consequences into the world.
Nature of Jesus
Jesus Christ is the central figure and the true identity of the Christian faith. According to the Christian worldview, Jesus is fully God and fully human, the Son of God who entered into human history to reconcile humanity with God. He came to establish His kingdom, which is not of this world, and His purpose was to bring salvation to all who believe in Him. The significance of Jesus’ identity and work lies in the fact that through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He provided a pathway for humanity to be reconciled with God and receive eternal life.
Restoration
The solution to human problems, according to the Christian worldview, is found in the restoration brought about by Jesus Christ. Through His death on the cross, Jesus paid the price for the sins of humanity, offering salvation to all who have faith in Him. Grace, faith, and repentance play significant roles in Christian salvation. Grace is the unmerited favor and love of God, which is bestowed upon individuals despite their unworthiness. Faith is the act of trusting and believing in Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior. Repentance is the genuine remorse and turning away from sin. The transformation of self and society in the Christian worldview happens through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, guiding individuals to live according to God’s will and principles.
Christian Foundation
The concepts of the gospel essentials, including the nature of God, humanity, Jesus, and restoration, form the foundation of the Christian worldview. The nature of God provides the framework for understanding His character and attributes, establishing a relationship with Him. The nature of humanity recognizes the value and purpose of each individual, highlighting the need for salvation and redemption. The nature of Jesus showcases His identity and work as the means of reconciliation between humanity and God. Lastly, restoration represents the belief in a transformed life through the power of the Holy Spirit, leading to a restored relationship with God and a renewed purpose in serving Him.
Analysis of the Implications of the Christian Worldview
The Christian worldview holds various benefits and strengths when it comes to human value and dignity. It recognizes the inherent worth of every individual, irrespective of their abilities, achievements, or social status. This perspective encourages humility, compassion, and respect towards others, fostering a sense of equality and justice. The Christian concept of salvation differs from other worldview perspectives, as it emphasizes the redemptive work of Jesus through faith, grace, and repentance. Rather than relying on personal efforts or achievements, salvation is a gift received through God’s grace alone.
The Christian worldview influences a person’s thinking and behavior by providing a moral framework based on the teachings of Jesus and the Scriptures. It promotes virtues such as love, forgiveness, honesty, and integrity, guiding individuals in their decision-making and interactions with others. This worldview encourages selflessness, sacrificial love, and service, as modeled by Jesus. However, the Christian worldview also presents challenges or points of confusion for some individuals. The concept of God as a triune being, the mystery of the incarnation, and the existence of evil and suffering in the world are often perplexing. Additionally, the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ may be a stumbling block for those who adhere to different religious beliefs or hold a pluralistic worldview.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Christian worldview is based on the essential components of the nature of God, humanity, Jesus, and restoration. It recognizes the triune nature of God, the value and purpose of humanity, the identity and work of Jesus, and the solution to human problems through grace, faith, and repentance. This worldview forms the foundation for Christian beliefs, guiding individuals in their understanding of God, themselves, and the world around them. Furthermore, the Christian worldview offers benefits such as human value and dignity, a distinct concept of salvation, and a moral framework for thinking and behavior. However, it also presents challenges and areas of confusion for some individuals. Overall, the Christian worldview shapes the lives and perspectives of believers, providing a lens through which they view the world and engage with others.
