Skip to content

Log in Sign up free

Loading…

Home
Subjects
Past papers
Key terms
Pricing

My courses

Select your courses

Loading…

Subjects

Biology
Business
Chemistry
Citizenship Studies
Classics
Combined Science
Computer Science
Design and Technology
English Language
English Literature
Film Studies
Food Preparation and Nutrition
Geography
History
Mathematics
Media Studies
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Statistics

Resources

Browse courses
Past papers
Key terms & definitions
Pricing

About

Sign up
Log in
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

© 2026 GradeGen

Not affiliated with any exam board.

Penal substitution — AQA GCSE Religious Studies Definition

Home
Religious Studies
Key terms
Penal substitution

GCSE Religious Studies · key term

Penal substitution

Definition

The understanding of Jesus’ death as taking the punishment for human sin on humanity’s behalf.

Used by AQA

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE Religious Studies · 8061

Paper 1

Penal substitution, held by many Protestants, emphasises that sin deserves punishment. Jesus willingly takes that punishment on humanity’s behalf. Salvation is therefore an undeserved gift, received through faith in him, rather than something people earn.
Revise: The role of Christ in salvation

AQA Religious Studies past papers

Related key terms

Atonement
Crucifixion
Incarnation
Reconciliation
Resurrection

Get more free notes every week

Create a free account to keep every note you open and track your progress.

Create free account Log in