WAEC Christian Religious Studies 2009 past questions and answers

Only man was made in God's image and given dominion over the other creatures (Genesis 1:26-27).

"To your descendants I will give this land" (Genesis 12:6-7).

The seventh commandment is "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14).

"All the congregation said to stone them with stones" — Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:6-10).

Barak took 10,000 men from Naphtali and Zebulun (Judges 4:6, 10).

Samuel made his sons judges, but they took bribes and perverted justice, and nothing is said of him correcting them (1 Samuel 8:1-5).

Saul's servants sought a skilful lyre player and David was brought to Saul (1 Samuel 16:16-21).

David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord" (2 Samuel 12:13).

Elijah confronted King Ahab (1 Kings 17:1; 18:17).

Naboth said this about his vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-3).

Jeremiah foretold an enemy nation eating their harvest, flocks and herds (Jeremiah 5:15-17); restoration is not punishment.

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:3).

"Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5).

"Judah mourns… because there is no rain on the land" (Jeremiah 14:1-4).

"An excellent spirit was in him; and the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom" (Daniel 6:3).

Pursuing his brother with the sword was Edom's sin (Amos 1:11); the others were Israel's (Amos 2:6-7).

Cyrus gave the temple vessels to Sheshbazzar, prince of Judah, who brought the first exiles up and laid the foundation (Ezra 1:8-11; 5:14-16).

Jesus came into Galilee preaching, "the kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:14-15).

It was revealed to Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ (Luke 2:25-26).

"Salute no one on the road" — eastern greetings were long, and the mission was urgent (Luke 10:4).

The light is good works that people see, which glorify the Father (Matthew 5:16).

Jesus adds that it will be more tolerable for Sodom on the day of judgement than for that town (Matthew 10:14-15).

Treasures in heaven are the righteous deeds we do for God (Matthew 6:1, 19-21).

"You cannot serve God and mammon" — money must not become our master (Matthew 6:24).

The living water is the Spirit whom believers receive (John 7:38-39; 4:14).

Jesus gives spiritual life that satisfies for ever to those who believe in Him (John 6:35, 47-51).

"God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish" (John 3:16).

Believers still die physically (Lazarus had); Jesus means they will never be cut off from God (John 11:25-26).

James summed up and gave the council's judgement (Acts 15:13-21).

Paul did nothing without Philemon's consent, so his goodness would not be by compulsion (Philemon 13-14).

They worked night and day to give an example to imitate (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9).

Colossians 3:18-21 deals with wives, husbands, children and fathers.

Governors are sent "to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right" (1 Peter 2:14).

"Keep away from any brother who is living in idleness" (2 Thessalonians 3:6).

Abraham was about a hundred and Sarah was barren and past age (Romans 4:19; Genesis 18:11).

"If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void" (Romans 4:14).

At Corinth, when the Jews opposed and reviled him, Paul shook out his garments and said this (Acts 18:5-6).

The Sadducees were annoyed at the apostles proclaiming the resurrection (Acts 4:1-2).

The Spirit sent out Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:2-4).

"It is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his habitation become desolate… His office let another take'" (Acts 1:20).

(a) Day 1: light, separated from darkness — day and night (Genesis 1:3-5).
Day 2: the firmament (sky) separating the waters (Genesis 1:6-8).
Day 3: dry land and seas; plants and fruit trees (Genesis 1:9-13).
Day 4: sun, moon and stars (Genesis 1:14-19).
Day 5: sea creatures and birds (Genesis 1:20-23).
Day 6: land animals, then man and woman (Genesis 1:24-31).
(b) Man was made in God's image and likeness, male and female (Genesis 1:26-27).
He shares something of God's nature: reason, moral sense, freedom to choose, ability to relate to God.
He represents God on earth, with dominion over fish, birds, animals and the earth (Genesis 1:26, 28).
He has a spirit — the breath of life from God (Genesis 2:7).
Every human life therefore has dignity and value (Genesis 9:6).
(c) Any three: God is the owner of all things, so man is only a steward; man must obey and worship God; nothing is beyond God's control; man should care for creation responsibly; all things exist for God's purpose; human beings are accountable to God.

List the days, explain the image of God, then three implications.

(a) A new king who did not know Joseph enslaved Israel and ordered every Hebrew baby boy thrown into the Nile (Exodus 1:8-22).
A Levite woman bore a son and hid him three months (Exodus 2:1-2).
When she could hide him no longer, she put him in a papyrus basket among the reeds by the Nile; his sister watched (Exodus 2:3-4).
Pharaoh's daughter came to bathe, saw the basket, found the crying baby and took pity on him (Exodus 2:5-6).
His sister offered to find a Hebrew nurse and called the child's own mother (Exodus 2:7-8).
Pharaoh's daughter paid her to nurse the child (Exodus 2:9).
When he grew, his mother brought him to Pharaoh's daughter; he became her son and she named him Moses, "because I drew him out of the water" (Exodus 2:10).
(b) Any three: he was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22); he learnt the ways of the royal court and could later stand before Pharaoh; he learnt leadership and administration; his mother taught him his Hebrew identity and faith, so he cared for his people (Exodus 2:11; Hebrews 11:24-26); his rescue showed God's protection and purpose for him.

Narrate Exodus 2:1-10, then three ways.

(a) Solomon loved the Lord and went to Gibeon, offering a thousand burnt offerings (1 Kings 3:3-4).
The Lord appeared in a dream: "Ask what I shall give you" (1 Kings 3:5).
Solomon praised God's steadfast love to David (1 Kings 3:6).
He confessed he was like a little child who did not know how to go out or come in (1 Kings 3:7).
He was among a great people too many to number (1 Kings 3:8).
He asked for an understanding mind to govern the people and discern good and evil (1 Kings 3:9).
(b) The request pleased the Lord (1 Kings 3:10).
God gave him a wise and discerning mind unequalled before or after (1 Kings 3:12).
God added riches and honour, which he had not asked for (1 Kings 3:13).
God promised long life if he walked in His ways (1 Kings 3:14).
His wisdom was shown in the judgement of the two harlots and all Israel stood in awe (1 Kings 3:16-28).
His fame spread; he spoke 3,000 proverbs and kings came to hear him (1 Kings 4:29-34).

Describe the Gibeon dream, then how God approved the request.

(a) Ahab told Jezebel that Elijah had killed the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 19:1).
Jezebel swore to kill Elijah by the next day (1 Kings 19:2).
Afraid, he fled to Beersheba, left his servant and went a day's journey into the wilderness (1 Kings 19:3-4).
He sat under a broom tree and asked to die (1 Kings 19:4).
An angel touched him twice and gave him a cake and water (1 Kings 19:5-7).
In the strength of that food he went forty days and nights to Horeb, the mount of God, and lodged in a cave (1 Kings 19:8-9).
He complained that he alone was left and they sought his life (1 Kings 19:10).
A great wind, an earthquake and a fire passed, but the Lord was not in them; then came a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13).
(b) God told him to anoint Hazael king of Syria, Jehu king of Israel and Elisha as prophet in his place; whoever escaped Hazael's sword Jehu would slay, and whoever escaped Jehu, Elisha would slay (1 Kings 19:15-17).
Through Hazael, Syria would afflict Israel (2 Kings 8:12; 10:32).
Jehu would wipe out Ahab's house (2 Kings 9–10).
Dogs would lick Ahab's blood and eat Jezebel (1 Kings 21:19-24).
God left 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18).

Narrate 1 Kings 19:1-13, then three ways of punishment.

(a) A lawyer asked how to inherit eternal life; he quoted love of God and neighbour, then asked "Who is my neighbour?" (Luke 10:25-29).
A man going from Jerusalem to Jericho fell among robbers, who stripped and beat him and left him half dead (Luke 10:30).
A priest saw him and passed by on the other side (Luke 10:31).
A Levite did the same (Luke 10:32).
A Samaritan saw him and had compassion (Luke 10:33).
He bound his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, set him on his own beast and took him to an inn (Luke 10:34).
He paid the innkeeper two denarii and promised to repay any extra (Luke 10:35).
Jesus asked who proved neighbour; the lawyer said, "The one who showed mercy"; Jesus said, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:36-37).
(b) Any three: helping strangers in need regardless of race or religion; giving first aid and care; spending one's own money for others; taking risks for others; following up on someone's needs; showing mercy rather than excuses.

Narrate Luke 10:25-37, then three points.

(a) Living water: at Jacob's well Jesus told the Samaritan woman that if she knew who He was she would ask and He would give her living water (John 4:10).
Whoever drinks the water He gives will never thirst; it becomes a spring welling up to eternal life (John 4:13-14).
At the feast He cried, "If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink"; this was the Spirit believers would receive (John 7:37-39).
Bread of life: after feeding the five thousand He said not to labour for food that perishes but for food that endures to eternal life (John 6:27).
Not Moses but His Father gives the true bread from heaven (John 6:32-33).
"I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35).
Whoever eats this bread will live for ever; the bread is His flesh given for the life of the world (John 6:51).
(b) Any three: preoccupation with material things; unbelief and rejection of the gospel; false teachers; persecution of Christians; lack of preachers or Bibles in some places; sin and pleasures; laziness about prayer and Bible study.

Explain John 4, 6 and 7:37-39, then three ways.

(a) Jesus was led to Golgotha; Simon of Cyrene carried His cross (Luke 23:26, 33).
He was crucified between two criminals (Luke 23:33).
He prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
Soldiers cast lots for His garments; rulers, soldiers and one criminal mocked Him (Luke 23:34-39).
To the penitent criminal He said, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43).
He entrusted His mother to John (John 19:26-27).
Darkness covered the land; He cried "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" and "I thirst" (Matthew 27:45-46; John 19:28).
He said, "It is finished" and "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit", and died (John 19:30; Luke 23:46).
The temple curtain tore; the centurion praised God (Luke 23:45, 47).
Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body, wrapped it in linen and laid it in a new rock tomb; the women saw where it was laid (Luke 23:50-55).
(b) Any two: forgive our enemies; God welcomes the repentant even at the last moment; care for our parents; trust God even in suffering; complete the work God gives us.

Narrate the crucifixion and burial, then two lessons from the sayings.

(a) After Stephen's death the believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1-4).
Philip went down to Samaria and proclaimed Christ; the crowds listened as they saw his signs (Acts 8:5-6).
Unclean spirits came out and many paralysed and lame were healed; there was much joy (Acts 8:7-8).
Simon the magician believed and was baptised (Acts 8:9-13).
Men and women believed and were baptised; Peter and John came and they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:12-17).
An angel sent Philip to the Gaza road, where he explained Isaiah 53 to the Ethiopian eunuch and baptised him (Acts 8:26-38).
Philip was caught away to Azotus and preached in all the towns until he came to Caesarea (Acts 8:39-40).
(b) Any three: insecurity and attacks on Christians; religious intolerance; lack of funds and workers; false prophets and commercialised preaching; materialism; language barriers; bad examples of some Christians.

Narrate Acts 8, then three problems.

(a) In Christ Jesus all are sons of God through faith (Galatians 3:26).
Those baptised into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:27).
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female; all are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28).
Those who belong to Christ are Abraham's offspring and heirs (Galatians 3:29).
Before, like minor heirs, they were slaves to the elemental spirits (Galatians 4:1-3).
God sent His Son to redeem those under the law so that they might receive adoption as sons (Galatians 4:4-5).
God sent the Spirit of His Son into their hearts crying "Abba! Father!" (Galatians 4:6).
So they are no longer slaves but sons and heirs (Galatians 4:7).
All led by the Spirit are sons of God, fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14-17).
(b) Any two: Christians must live holy lives worthy of God; all believers are equal, so no discrimination; freedom from slavery to sin and the law; assurance of inheritance and eternal life; boldness to call God Father in prayer; they share Christ's sufferings and glory.

Use Galatians 3:26–4:7 and Romans 8, then two implications.

(a) Be of the same mind, having the same love (Philippians 2:2).
Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3).
Look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4).
Have the mind of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5).
He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7).
He humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).
Therefore God highly exalted Him; every knee will bow and every tongue confess Him Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).
(b) Any three: it promotes unity in the church; leaders should serve rather than lord it over others; Christians should respect everyone; it removes pride and rivalry; God exalts the humble; it helps Christians obey God even when costly.

Explain Philippians 2:1-11, then three points.

(a) Love one another earnestly from a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22).
Put away all malice, guile, insincerity, envy and slander (1 Peter 2:1).
Honour all, love the brotherhood (1 Peter 2:17).
Have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind (1 Peter 3:8).
Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but bless (1 Peter 3:9).
Above all hold unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).
Practise hospitality ungrudgingly (1 Peter 4:9).
Use your gifts to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10).
Elders tend the flock willingly and as examples; the young be subject to elders; all clothe themselves with humility (1 Peter 5:2-5).
(b) Any three: leadership tussles and struggles for position; doctrinal differences; tribalism; quarrels over money and church property; pride and jealousy; gossip; favouritism.

Summarise Peter's teaching, then three causes.

(a) Aspire to live quietly, mind your own affairs and work with your hands, so as to command respect and depend on nobody (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
Keep away from brethren living in idleness (2 Thessalonians 3:6).
Paul and his companions worked night and day so as not to burden anyone, as an example (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9).
"If any one will not work, let him not eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Busybodies must work quietly and earn their own living (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12).
Do not grow weary in well-doing; warn the idle as brothers (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15).
(b) Any four: skills acquisition and vocational centres; scholarships and education support; soft loans or start-up grants for small businesses; career guidance and mentoring; job placement through members; teaching the value of hard work in sermons; youth farming or business projects; rewarding hard work.

Outline 1 and 2 Thessalonians on work, then four roles.