WAEC Christian Religious Studies 2000 past questions and answers

When Abram reached Shechem in Canaan, the Lord said, "To your descendants I will give this land" (Genesis 12:6-7).

When the messenger mentioned that the ark of God was captured, Eli fell backward, broke his neck and died (1 Samuel 4:17-18).

Saul spared Agag and the best animals instead of destroying all as commanded, so God rejected him (1 Samuel 15:9, 23).

David wept at Abner's grave and refused to eat until sunset (2 Samuel 3:32-35).

Rehoboam rejected the old men's advice and spoke harshly to the people, who then rejected him (1 Kings 12:8-16).

Solomon said God had given him rest on every side with no adversary, so he purposed to build the house (1 Kings 5:4-5).

Healed of leprosy, Naaman said, "there is no God in all the earth but in Israel" (2 Kings 5:15).

Jerusalem fell in the eleventh year of Zedekiah (2 Kings 25:2-7).

Nehemiah said, "I was cupbearer to the king" (Nehemiah 1:11; 2:1).

"When I saw it, I fell upon my face" (Ezekiel 1:28).

"Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate" (Amos 5:15).

God desires "steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6:6).

Amos wanted justice and righteousness to flow, not empty feasts and offerings (Amos 5:21-24).

The king blessed their God, who sent His angel to deliver them, and said no other god is able to deliver like this (Daniel 3:25-29).

They said even if God did not deliver them they would not serve the king's gods, yielding up their bodies rather than worship (Daniel 3:17-18, 28).

"Cry against it; for their wickedness has come up before me" (Jonah 1:2).

Shepherds keeping watch by night came to Bethlehem and found the baby in a manger (Luke 2:8-16).

Only Mark says "he was with the wild beasts" (Mark 1:13).

The father ran and embraced his son before he had finished confessing, and restored him fully (Luke 15:20-24).

Jesus said, "not even in Israel have I found such faith" (Matthew 8:10).

"A lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, 'Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?'" (Luke 10:25).

At harvest, the close of the age, the weeds are burnt and the wheat gathered: the final judgement (Matthew 13:40-43).

The parable answers the lawyer's question on inheriting eternal life: love God and love your neighbour, shown in mercy (Luke 10:25-37).

The priest and the Levite, Jewish religious leaders, passed by the wounded man (Luke 10:31-32).

"I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved" (John 10:9).

"He who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life" (John 6:47-48).

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

Jesus told the parable to Pharisees and scribes who grumbled that He received sinners (Luke 15:1-2, 28-30).

The promise is for "he who believes in me" (John 11:25-26), not for all people regardless of faith.

The priests and Sadducees were annoyed because the apostles proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection (Acts 4:1-2).

The apostles had seven men chosen to take charge of the daily distribution (Acts 6:1-6).

They were appointed to "serve tables", the daily distribution of food (Acts 6:1-3).

Sin came into the world through one man, Adam (Romans 5:12-18).

When the fullness of time came God sent His Son to redeem those under the law (Galatians 4:3-5; 5:1).

Prophecy, wisdom, faith and healing are all in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; love, joy and peace are fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17).

God exalted Him so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow (Philippians 2:9-10).

Christ "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped" (Philippians 2:6).

"When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:4).

Paul sent Onesimus back with the letter, asking Philemon to receive him as a brother (Philemon 12-17).

For James, faith must be shown by works; faith without works is dead (James 1:27; 2:17).

James rebukes those who dishonour the poor man (James 2:2-6).

"Be doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22).

"Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles" (1 Peter 2:12).

"Rejoice in so far as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:13).

(a) When God made the earth there was no plant and no rain, and no man to till the ground; a mist watered the ground (Genesis 2:4-6).
God formed man of dust and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Genesis 2:7).
He planted a garden in Eden with trees good for food, the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; a river watered it and divided into four (Genesis 2:8-14).
He put man in the garden to till it and keep it (Genesis 2:15).
He allowed every tree except the tree of knowledge of good and evil, on pain of death (Genesis 2:16-17).
God brought the animals and birds to the man, who named them (Genesis 2:19-20).
God made woman from the man's rib; the man said she is bone of his bones; they become one flesh (Genesis 2:21-25).
(b) Any two: tilling and keeping the garden shows the dignity of work and man's role as steward of God's creation; naming the animals shows man's authority over creatures; the command shows man is responsible and must obey God; companionship and marriage are God's plan.

Narrate Genesis 2:4-25, then two points on man's functions.

(a) In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, the Lord stirred up his spirit to fulfil the word of Jeremiah (Ezra 1:1).
He proclaimed that God had charged him to build a house at Jerusalem (Ezra 1:2).
Any of God's people could go up to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of the Lord (Ezra 1:3).
Neighbours were to help them with silver, gold, goods, beasts and freewill offerings (Ezra 1:4, 6).
The heads of Judah and Benjamin, the priests and Levites, everyone whose spirit God stirred, rose to go (Ezra 1:5).
Cyrus returned the temple vessels Nebuchadnezzar had taken, counted out to Sheshbazzar, prince of Judah (Ezra 1:7-11).
The returning company numbered 42,360 with servants and animals (Ezra 2:64-67).
They rebuilt the altar, kept the feasts and laid the foundation of the temple with praise (Ezra 3:1-11).
(b) Any two: God stirred their spirits; love for Jerusalem and the temple; the desire to worship God in their own land; fulfilment of prophecy gave them hope; the king's support and the gifts from neighbours.

Describe Ezra 1–3, then two reasons.

(a) At Gibeon he humbly asked God for an understanding mind to govern rather than riches or long life (1 Kings 3:5-12).
He judged wisely between the two harlots by ordering the child to be divided, revealing the real mother (1 Kings 3:16-28).
He organised the kingdom with officials and twelve district governors (1 Kings 4:1-19).
He spoke 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs and taught about plants and animals; kings came to hear his wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34).
He made a treaty with Hiram for materials and built the temple and dedicated it with prayer (1 Kings 5–8).
He answered all the hard questions of the queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-9).
(b) Any two: marrying many foreign wives who turned his heart to other gods (1 Kings 11:1-8); building high places for foreign gods; imposing heavy taxes and forced labour (1 Kings 5:13; 12:4); giving away twenty cities of Galilee to Hiram (1 Kings 9:11); extravagant spending.

List actions showing wisdom with references, then two unwise decisions.

(a) Amos, a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees from Tekoa in Judah, was sent by God to prophesy to Israel (Amos 1:1; 7:14-15).
At Bethel, the king's sanctuary, he condemned Israel's idolatry, injustice and empty worship (Amos 4:4; 5:21-24).
He saw a vision of a plumb line: God would not pass by Israel again; the high places would be desolate and the house of Jeroboam would fall by the sword (Amos 7:7-9).
Amaziah reported to King Jeroboam that Amos had conspired against him, saying the king would die and Israel go into exile (Amos 7:10-11).
He told Amos to flee to Judah and prophesy there, never again at Bethel (Amos 7:12-13).
Amos replied that he was no professional prophet; the Lord had taken him from the flock (Amos 7:14-15).
He prophesied disaster on Amaziah's family and exile for Israel (Amos 7:16-17).
(b) Any two: they resist God's will and truth; they hinder others from hearing God's word; they encourage sin and injustice; God is sovereign and rebellion against Him deserves judgement; they persecute God's servants.

Explain the Bethel clash, then two reasons.

(a) A decree of Caesar Augustus ordered a census; Joseph went with Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, city of David (Luke 2:1-5).
Mary gave birth, wrapped the baby in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger because there was no room in the inn (Luke 2:6-7).
An angel told shepherds of a Saviour, Christ the Lord, born in the city of David; a heavenly host praised God (Luke 2:8-14).
The shepherds found the baby, told what they had heard and returned glorifying God (Luke 2:15-20).
On the eighth day He was circumcised and named Jesus, as the angel said (Luke 2:21).
After Mary's purification they presented Him in Jerusalem and offered a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons (Luke 2:22-24).
Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God for His salvation, a light to the Gentiles; he warned Mary a sword would pierce her soul (Luke 2:25-35).
The prophetess Anna gave thanks and spoke of Him to all waiting for redemption (Luke 2:36-38).
(b) Any two: obedience to the law of Moses (Genesis 17:12; Exodus 13:2, 12; Leviticus 12); circumcision marked Him as a member of God's covenant people; the presentation dedicated the firstborn to God; purification of the mother; it fulfilled all righteousness and identified Jesus with His people.

Cover Luke 2:1-38, then two reasons.

(a) Jesus called the twelve and gave them power and authority over demons and to cure diseases (Luke 9:1; Mark 6:7).
Mark says He sent them two by two (Mark 6:7).
Matthew: go not to the Gentiles or Samaritans but to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6).
Preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand; heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons; freely give (Matthew 10:7-8).
Take no gold, silver, bag, two tunics; Mark allows a staff and sandals (Matthew 10:9-10; Mark 6:8-9).
Stay in a worthy house; if not received, shake off the dust of their feet (Matthew 10:11-14).
He warned of persecution: they would be sent as sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16-23).
They went out preaching repentance, cast out demons and anointed the sick with oil, healing them (Mark 6:12-13; Luke 9:6).
(b) Any four: faith and commitment; humility; courage; simple lifestyle and contentment; love and compassion; honesty and integrity; patience in persecution; knowledge of scripture; prayerfulness.

Combine Matthew 10, Mark 6 and Luke 9, then four qualities.

(a) After the Sabbath, early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome (and Joanna, Luke) went to the tomb with spices to anoint Jesus (Mark 16:1-2; Luke 24:1, 10).
They wondered who would roll away the stone, but found it rolled back (Mark 16:3-4).
Matthew: an earthquake; an angel rolled the stone and sat on it; the guards became like dead men (Matthew 28:2-4).
An angel (a young man; Luke: two men) said, "He is not here; he has risen", and showed them the place (Mark 16:5-6; Luke 24:4-6).
They were told to tell the disciples and Peter that He was going before them to Galilee (Mark 16:7).
Matthew: Jesus met them on the way; they held His feet and worshipped Him (Matthew 28:8-10).
Luke: they told the eleven, who thought it an idle tale; Peter ran to the tomb (Luke 24:9-12).
Role of the women: faithful to the end; first at the tomb; first witnesses of the resurrection; first messengers of the good news.
(b) Any two: proves Jesus is the Son of God; victory over sin and death; assurance of believers' resurrection; foundation of Christian faith and preaching (1 Corinthians 15:14); gives hope.

Combine the Synoptic accounts and stress the women's part, then two points.

(a) An angel told Philip to go south to the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza (Acts 8:26).
There he met an Ethiopian eunuch, minister of Candace the queen, in charge of her treasure, who had come to worship in Jerusalem (Acts 8:27).
He was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah (Acts 8:28).
The Spirit told Philip to join the chariot; Philip asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" (Acts 8:29-30).
He said he needed a guide and invited Philip up (Acts 8:31).
The passage was "As a sheep led to the slaughter…"; he asked whom the prophet meant (Acts 8:32-34).
Beginning with this scripture Philip told him the good news of Jesus (Acts 8:35).
Seeing water, the eunuch asked to be baptised; both went down into the water and Philip baptised him (Acts 8:36-38).
The Spirit caught Philip away; the eunuch went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39).
(b) Any two: the gospel reached Africa and a Gentile convert; showed God's salvation is for all races; showed the importance of the Holy Spirit's guidance in evangelism; showed Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Jesus; personal evangelism and explaining scripture.

Narrate Acts 8:26-40, then two points.

(a) All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Jews and Gentiles alike (Romans 3:9, 23).
No one is justified by works of the law; the law brings knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20).
The righteousness of God has been shown apart from law, through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe (Romans 3:21-22).
We are justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ, whose blood is an expiation (Romans 3:24-25).
A man is justified by faith apart from works of law, so boasting is excluded (Romans 3:27-28).
Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness, before circumcision (Romans 4:3, 9-11).
Righteousness will be reckoned to us who believe in Him who raised Jesus (Romans 4:23-25).
(b) Any four: peace with God (Romans 5:1); access to God's grace (5:2); hope of sharing God's glory (5:2); endurance and character through suffering (5:3-4); God's love poured into our hearts by the Spirit (5:5); salvation from God's wrath (5:9); reconciliation with God (5:10-11).

Explain Romans 3:21–4:25, then four fruits from Romans 5:1-11.

(a) Baptised into Christ's death, believers are buried with Him and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4).
The old self was crucified with Him so that we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6).
Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God; do not let sin reign in your bodies (Romans 6:11-13).
If raised with Christ, seek the things above (Colossians 3:1-3).
Put to death immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness; put away anger, malice, slander and lying (Colossians 3:5-9).
Put on the new nature: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness and love (Colossians 3:10-14).
In the new life there is no Greek or Jew, slave or free (Colossians 3:11).
(b) Any four: hearing the gospel; repentance from sin; faith in Jesus Christ; confession of faith (Romans 10:9-10); baptism (Acts 2:38); receiving instruction/catechism; renouncing old ways; joining the fellowship.

Explain Romans 6 and Colossians 3, then four steps.

(a) Paul, a prisoner for Christ, writes with Timothy to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus and the church in his house (Philemon 1-2).
He thanks God for Philemon's love and faith which refresh the saints (Philemon 4-7).
Rather than command, he appeals for love's sake (Philemon 8-9).
He appeals for Onesimus, his child in the faith, once useless but now useful (Philemon 10-11).
He sends him back, though he wanted to keep him, not wishing to act without consent (Philemon 12-14).
Philemon should receive him no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother (Philemon 15-16).
Receive him as you would Paul; charge any debt to Paul's account (Philemon 17-19).
Paul is confident of his obedience and asks for a guest room (Philemon 21-22).
(b) Forgiveness means pardoning someone who has wronged you, giving up resentment and the wish to punish, and restoring the relationship, as God forgave us in Christ (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 6:12-15).

Give the main points of Philemon, then a clear definition of forgiveness.

(a) Wives should be submissive to their husbands, so that unbelieving husbands may be won by their behaviour without a word (1 Peter 3:1-2).
Their adorning should not be outward (braided hair, gold, fine clothing) but the hidden person of the heart, a gentle and quiet spirit, precious to God (1 Peter 3:3-4).
Like the holy women of old such as Sarah, who obeyed Abraham (1 Peter 3:5-6).
Husbands should live considerately with their wives (1 Peter 3:7).
They should honour the woman as the weaker sex (1 Peter 3:7).
Both are joint heirs of the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7).
Otherwise their prayers will be hindered (1 Peter 3:7).
(b) Any three: divorce and separation; neglect and delinquency of children; poverty; violence and abuse; immorality; emotional distress; poor performance of children at school; unanswered prayers.

Summarise 1 Peter 3:1-7, then three consequences.