WAEC Christian Religious Studies 1999 Theory question 101

Theory question 101

The Covenant

Paper 2, Section A (Themes from the Old Testament). Answer at least one question from this section.
(a) Describe the main features of the covenant between God and Abraham in Canaan.
(b) What two lessons do we learn from the events?

Show the model answer
Model answer

(a) When Abram was ninety-nine, God appeared as God Almighty and said, "walk before me, and be blameless" (Genesis 17:1).
God would make His covenant with him and multiply him greatly (Genesis 17:2).
He would be the father of a multitude of nations; kings would come from him (Genesis 17:4-6).
His name was changed from Abram to Abraham (Genesis 17:5).
The covenant was everlasting, with him and his descendants; God would be their God (Genesis 17:7).
God would give them all the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:8).
Every male, including slaves, was to be circumcised on the eighth day as the sign of the covenant; an uncircumcised male would be cut off (Genesis 17:10-14).
Sarai's name was changed to Sarah; she would bear a son and be mother of nations (Genesis 17:15-16).
The son would be called Isaac and the covenant established with him; Ishmael would also be blessed and father twelve princes (Genesis 17:19-21).
(b) Any two: God keeps His promises; nothing is impossible with God; obedience brings God's blessing; faith is needed to receive God's promises; God's people should bear a mark of belonging to Him.

Explanation

List the terms of Genesis 17 (or 15), then two lessons.