WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2022

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Jesus' offer of paradise to the repentant thief on the cross teaches us that repentance is never too late. In this event, one of the thieves crucified alongside Jesus acknowledged his wrongdoing and expressed faith in Jesus, saying, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." In response, Jesus assured him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise." This teaches us that no matter how late in life or dire our circumstances may be, if we genuinely repent and turn to Jesus, He is ready to forgive and grant us eternal life. It demonstrates the boundless mercy and grace of God, who offers salvation to all who come to Him in repentance and faith. This interaction between Jesus and the repentant thief highlights the transformative power of God's forgiveness and the assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

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Huldah, the prophetess, pronounced evil upon Judah because the people had burned incense to other gods.

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The reason why God decided to make a helper fit for man in the garden of Eden was for companionship. In Genesis 2:18, God says "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." God saw that Adam needed a companion, someone to share his life with, and created Eve as a suitable helper. This highlights the importance of human relationships and the need for companionship in our lives.

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In the book of Hosea in the Old Testament of the Bible, God promises to restore the relationship between Himself and Israel. He mentions that He will make the valley of Achor a door of hope for them. The valley of Achor was a place of trouble and defeat for Israel, where Achan had sinned by taking forbidden spoils during a battle. By promising to turn it into a door of hope, God is offering a symbol of forgiveness and restoration to His people. So, the correct option is "hope".

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According to Jesus, one of the major things Christians should do to merit God's forgiveness is forgiving people who offend them. Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiveness in several teachings and parables. He taught that if we want to receive forgiveness from God, we must also be willing to forgive others. Forgiveness is an act of letting go of resentment, anger, and the desire for revenge towards those who have wronged us. It involves showing compassion, understanding, and extending grace to those who have hurt us. By forgiving others, we imitate the love and mercy of God, and it demonstrates our genuine repentance and desire to follow Christ's teachings.

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The immoral act that took place in Israel which was condemned by Amos was that a man and his father went into the same woman. This act was considered incestuous and against the laws and commandments of God. Amos, a prophet of God, condemned this act and warned the people of Israel of the impending punishment that would come upon them if they continued in their sinful ways. The condemnation of this act is recorded in Amos 2:7.

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God's supremacy during creation was manifested by His command of "let there be" in which He spoke the universe into existence. He did not need to physically create everything, but rather His word was enough to bring about the entire universe, including the heavens and human beings. Therefore, the correct option is "command of let there be."

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Joshua's success in the promised land was attributed to the fact that he was "strong and of good courage." This phrase is often mentioned in the book of Joshua, emphasizing Joshua's bravery and determination in leading the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The task of conquering Canaan was daunting, as it was filled with powerful nations and fortified cities. However, Joshua's unwavering faith in God and his strong leadership skills allowed him to lead the Israelites to numerous victories. Therefore, it can be said that Joshua's success was attributed to his courage and strength.

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Jael's husband was a Kenite. Sisera was a commander of King Jabin's Canaanite army who had oppressed the Israelites for 20 years. During a battle between the Israelites and the Canaanites, Sisera fled and sought refuge in Jael's tent. She offered him hospitality and gave him milk to drink, which made him drowsy. While he was sleeping, she took a tent peg and a hammer and drove the peg through his temple, killing him. This act of Jael was an important event in Israel's military history and played a key role in the victory over the Canaanites.

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The King among the options who God sold the people of Israel to and oppressed them for twenty years is Jabin. This can be found in Judges 4:1-3 of the Bible where it is recorded that the Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord and were sold into the hand of Jabin, king of Canaan who reigned in Hazor. Jabin had a powerful army led by his commander Sisera, and the Israelites were oppressed for twenty years until Deborah, a prophetess, and Barak, a military commander, led an army and defeated Jabin's army.

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The correct answer is "His face was covered" which is not a humiliation Jesus suffered during his trial. During Jesus' trial, he suffered several humiliations which included being spat upon, being crowned with thorns, and being beaten by the guards. However, there is no biblical record of his face being covered during his trial.

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The name Manasseh which Joseph gave to his first son means "God had made Joseph forget his hardship." According to the Bible, after Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and spent years in prison, he was eventually elevated to a high position in Egypt. When his first son was born, Joseph named him Manasseh, saying "For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father's house" (Genesis 41:51). Therefore, the correct answer is "God had made Joseph forget his hardship."

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The phrase "uncircumcised men" refers to Gentiles who were not Jews and did not follow the Jewish law of circumcision. The question was asked by Jewish Christians to Peter because he had entered the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and had eaten with him and his Gentile household. This act was controversial because Jews believed that associating with Gentiles would make them unclean and compromise their religious practices. Therefore, the "uncircumcised men" in this context are the Gentiles of the household of Cornelius, who were seen as outsiders to the Jewish community.

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When Jezebel decided to cut off the prophets of the Lord, it was Obadiah who took a hundred prophets and hid them in a cave. This incident is recorded in the book of 1 Kings in the Old Testament. Obadiah was a devout follower of God and was also a high-ranking official in King Ahab's palace, who was married to Jezebel. Despite the danger of going against the queen's orders, Obadiah chose to protect the prophets and hid them in a cave, providing them with food and water.

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The presence of God among the Israelites is demonstrated by the symbol of fire and cloud. According to the Old Testament, when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, God showed His presence by leading them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The cloud and fire were a sign of God's presence with His people and served as a guide for them on their journey. The cloud would cover the Tabernacle, the tent where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, indicating that God was present among the Israelites. Similarly, the fire would light up the area around the Tabernacle at night, providing warmth and light. Thus, the symbol of fire and cloud served as a tangible representation of God's presence and guidance for the Israelites.

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Nehemiah demonstrated his concern for his nation by: - Reconstructing the walls of Jerusalem: Nehemiah took the initiative to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which were in ruins. This showed his dedication to restoring the city's security and protecting its inhabitants from external threats. - Reviving the worship of Yahweh: Nehemiah emphasized the importance of worship and led the people in renewing their commitment to God. He encouraged the observance of religious practices and sought to strengthen the spiritual life of the nation. - Leading the exiles back home: Nehemiah played a significant role in leading the Jewish exiles back to their homeland. He organized and facilitated their return, enabling them to rebuild their lives and establish a strong community in Jerusalem. - Rebuilding the temple of Jericho: While the rebuilding of the temple of Jericho is not specifically attributed to Nehemiah, he did oversee various construction projects in Jerusalem, including the repair of the city gates and fortifications. Overall, Nehemiah's actions demonstrated his deep concern for the welfare and restoration of his nation. He focused on rebuilding the physical and spiritual aspects of Jerusalem, leading the people towards a renewed sense of identity and purpose.

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Aaron was assigned the role of a prophet. In the context of the Bible, a prophet is a person who is chosen by God to deliver His message to the people. In the story of Moses and Aaron, Aaron acted as a spokesperson for Moses, relaying God's message to Pharaoh and the Israelites.

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Joshua represented the tribe of Ephraim during the mission of the twelve spies. When Moses sent twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan, Joshua and Caleb were among them. Each of the twelve spies represented their respective tribes, and Joshua was the representative for the tribe of Ephraim. Together, they explored the land and brought back a report to Moses and the Israelites.

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According to the second creation story in the book of Genesis, the beasts of the field and birds were formed out of the ground. In Genesis 2:19, it says, "Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air." This is in contrast to the first creation story where all living creatures were created on the fifth and sixth days, and not specifically formed out of the ground.

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The statement, "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved," was made by Peter before the Sanhedrin. To explain further, after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, Peter, one of the apostles, boldly proclaimed this statement before the Jewish council known as the Sanhedrin. Peter emphasized that salvation could only be found through Jesus Christ and that no other person or name could offer salvation. This statement reflects the belief of the early Christian community that Jesus is the exclusive source of salvation for humanity. It highlights the central role of Jesus in the Christian faith and the importance of recognizing Him as the savior.

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The major sin attributed to Hophni and Phinehas was treating the offering of the Lord with contempt. As sons of Eli, the high priest of Israel, they were also priests serving in the Tabernacle. However, they were described as wicked men who did not know the Lord and treated the offerings brought by the people with contempt. They would take the best portions of the offerings for themselves before they were offered to God. This angered the Lord and led to their eventual downfall.

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The offspring of Jacob who migrated from Canaan to Egypt numbered seventy. This is mentioned in the book of Genesis in the Bible. The descendants of Jacob who migrated to Egypt included his sons, their wives, and their children. This migration was due to a severe famine in the land of Canaan, and they settled in Egypt under the protection of Joseph, who was already there. The number seventy is significant in the Bible as it is believed to represent completeness and perfection.

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(a) James teaches about the importance of treating others with love and respect, even as we love ourselves. He notes that showing favoritism or discrimination based on outward appearances is not in line with this teaching and is sinful. He urges believers to live out their faith by being doers of the word, not just hearers. (b) Discrimination among Christians can have negative effects on both the individuals involved and the wider community. Firstly, it can lead to feelings of hurt, rejection, and resentment among those who are discriminated against. This can damage their self-esteem and make them feel unworthy or less valued. Secondly, discrimination can create divisions and a lack of unity within the church. It can lead to cliques and factions forming, which can weaken the overall strength and effectiveness of the body of Christ. Lastly, discrimination can hinder the spread of the gospel message. It presents a barrier to those who may be seeking to know God, as they may feel excluded or unwelcome due to their race, ethnicity, or other characteristics. This can limit the church's ability to fulfill its mission to make disciples of all nations.

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(a) The apology mentioned in this question is made by King Saul to David. The events that led to this apology started when Saul became envious of David's success and popularity among the Israelites. Saul then made attempts to kill David, but David managed to escape. One instance was when Saul threw a spear at David while he was playing music to soothe him. David went into hiding, and Saul pursued him relentlessly. David had several opportunities to kill Saul but refused to do so, choosing to spare his life. Eventually, Saul realized his wrongdoing and apologized to David. (b) Two qualities that we can derive from David's attitude are humility and forgiveness. Despite being wronged by Saul, David did not retaliate but instead chose to show kindness and mercy. He did not allow his success to make him arrogant, and he recognized that it was God who had given him the victory. This shows his humility. Additionally, David forgave Saul and did not hold a grudge against him. This demonstrates his willingness to let go of past hurts and move forward.

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(a) After Jesus made this statement, he went a little further and prayed to God, asking Him to take the cup of suffering away from Him. He returned to his disciples three times and found them sleeping, urging them to stay awake and pray. Eventually, Judas Iscariot arrived with a crowd to arrest Jesus, leading to his crucifixion and death. (b) One way to assist people going through challenges is by offering emotional support, which involves listening to their concerns, providing words of encouragement, and showing empathy. Another way is by offering practical support, such as providing physical assistance, offering financial help, or helping them find resources that can assist them in their situation.

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(a) The prophecy of Joel, which foretold the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people, was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. According to Acts 2:1-4, the disciples were gathered in one place when a sound like a rushing wind came from heaven and filled the house where they were sitting. Tongues of fire appeared above their heads, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages. This miraculous event attracted a large crowd, and Peter explained to them that this was the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. (b) The incident was significant in two ways. First, it marked the beginning of the Church's mission to spread the Gospel to all nations. The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to preach and teach about Jesus Christ, and the message was heard by people from many different countries who were in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost. Second, it demonstrated the universal nature of the Church. The Holy Spirit was given to all people, regardless of their nationality or background, and they were united by their faith in Jesus Christ. This event foreshadowed the Church's future mission to bring salvation to people from all over the world.

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(a) The statement "You wicked servant; I forgave you all that debt because you besought me" was made by the king in a parable told by Jesus in response to Peter's question about how many times he should forgive his brother. The parable describes a king who forgave a servant a huge debt, but the same servant refused to forgive a fellow servant who owed him a smaller debt. When the king found out, he called the servant wicked and handed him over to be tortured until he could pay back the debt he owed. (b) Three reasons why people find it difficult to forgive are: 1. Pride: Sometimes people are too proud to forgive because they feel that it makes them appear weak or vulnerable. They may also feel that the other person does not deserve their forgiveness. 2. Hurt and anger: When people have been hurt or wronged, they may struggle to forgive because of the anger and bitterness they feel towards the person who hurt them. 3. Fear: People may fear that if they forgive someone who has wronged them, they may be taken advantage of again or that the person may not change their behavior. They may also fear that forgiving the person will mean they have to reconcile with them, which may be uncomfortable or unsafe.

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(a) Peter's recommendations for believers to interact with unbelievers in society can be summarized as follows: - Show respect and honor: Believers should treat unbelievers with respect and honor, recognizing their inherent worth as fellow human beings created in the image of God. - Live a godly lifestyle: Believers should strive to live in a way that reflects their faith, demonstrating integrity, honesty, and love in their interactions with unbelievers. - Share the hope of Christ: Believers should be ready to give an account of the hope they have in Christ, sharing the good news with unbelievers in a loving and respectful manner. - Maintain good conduct: Believers should conduct themselves in such a way that their actions align with their beliefs, avoiding behaviors that would bring dishonor to themselves, their faith, and their witness. (b) Three ways by which Christians can live above reproach in society are: - Personal Integrity: Christians should strive to maintain personal integrity in all areas of their lives. This includes being truthful, honest, and trustworthy in their words and actions. By living with integrity, Christians demonstrate the character of Christ and earn the respect of others. - Moral Purity: Christians should uphold moral purity by adhering to biblical principles and standards. This involves avoiding sinful behaviors such as immorality, dishonesty, and greed. By living a life of moral purity, Christians reflect the holiness of God and set a positive example for others. - Love and Kindness: Christians are called to love their neighbors as themselves. This means showing love, kindness, and compassion to others, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. By demonstrating love and kindness, Christians reflect the love of Christ and draw others to the faith. Living above reproach in society requires believers to embody the teachings of Jesus, walking in humility, grace, and love. It involves being a positive influence, shining the light of Christ through one's actions and interactions with others.

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(a) When the Book of the Law was discovered in the temple during Josiah's reign, he tore his clothes and sent his officials to inquire of the Lord about the words written in the book. Upon hearing the words of the book, he realized how far the people of Judah had strayed from the Lord's commands and he initiated a series of reforms to turn the people back to God. He removed all the idols and pagan altars from the temple and throughout Judah, reinstituted the Passover celebration, and abolished all forms of idolatry. (b) Today, similar to Josiah's days, many people have strayed from God's commands and have turned to various forms of idolatry such as materialism, consumerism, and individualism. In addition, many have neglected the importance of reading and obeying the Bible, just as the Book of the Law was neglected in Josiah's day. Finally, like Josiah, there is a need for reforms in our society and in the church to turn people back to God and to renew our commitment to follow His commands.

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(a) The events that led to the pronouncement of punishment on the household of Eli can be found in the book of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament of the Bible. Eli was a priest and judge in Israel during a time of great moral decline. His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were also priests, but they were corrupt and wicked. They abused their positions of authority and disrespected the sacrifices and offerings brought to the Lord. Despite being aware of his sons' wrongdoing, Eli failed to take decisive action to stop them. He only offered weak rebukes and did not exercise proper discipline as their father and the high priest. As a result, God sent a prophet to deliver a message of judgment against Eli and his household. The prophecy declared that because of their sins and Eli's failure to correct his sons, his descendants would be cut off from serving as priests, and his family line would suffer tragic losses. (b) Parents can play a crucial role in nurturing responsibility in their children. Here are three ways they can achieve this: 1. Setting clear expectations and boundaries: Parents should establish clear guidelines and expectations for their children's behavior, chores, and responsibilities. By providing a structured framework, children understand what is expected of them and the consequences of not fulfilling their responsibilities. 2. Teaching and modeling responsibility: Parents should actively teach their children the value of responsibility through words and actions. This includes demonstrating responsible behavior themselves and explaining the importance of fulfilling obligations and commitments. 3. Gradual independence and accountability: Parents can gradually increase their child's independence and assign age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities. By giving them opportunities to take ownership of tasks and make decisions, children learn the importance of being responsible for their actions and the consequences that follow. Overall, by setting clear expectations, teaching responsibility, and gradually increasing independence, parents can help their children develop a sense of responsibility that will benefit them throughout their lives.

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a) The story of the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites under the leadership of Moses is found in the book of Exodus. After being enslaved in Egypt for over 400 years, God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage and into the Promised Land. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, refused to let the Israelites go, so God sent ten plagues to persuade him. The final plague was the death of all the firstborn in Egypt. The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood so that the Angel of Death would "pass over" their houses. Pharaoh finally allowed the Israelites to leave, but soon changed his mind and pursued them with his army. The Israelites found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. God then performed a miracle by parting the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land. When the Egyptians pursued them, God closed the sea, drowning Pharaoh and his army. b) Three lessons that can be learnt about the nature of God from the above incident are: 1. God is powerful and can perform miracles. The parting of the Red Sea was a clear demonstration of God's power over nature and his ability to intervene in human affairs. 2. God is faithful and keeps his promises. He had promised to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt and bring them to the Promised Land. Despite the challenges they faced, God remained true to his word and led them to safety. 3. God is a protector of his people. In the face of an impending attack from the Egyptians, God provided a way of escape for the Israelites. He also protected them from harm and ensured that they reached their destination safely.