WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2001 (Essay)

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(a) What is a Covenant?

A covenant is a solemn and binding agreement between two parties in which each party accepts certain responsibilities and obligations according to the terms of the agreement. The parties may be equals, or one may be superior to the other. In the Bible, a covenant often refers to God’s agreement with His people, in which God makes promises and requires obedience and faithfulness from them.

(b) How God proved to Abraham that He would honour the covenant

God proved His faithfulness to Abraham by fulfilling His promise that Sarah would bear Abraham a son, through whom the covenant would continue. Although Abraham was very old and Sarah had been barren, God assured Abraham that Sarah would have a son and that he should call his name Isaac.

When Abraham suggested that Ishmael might be the one through whom the covenant would be fulfilled, God made it clear that the covenant would be established with Isaac and his descendants. God, however, promised also to bless Ishmael and make him fruitful.

At the time God had promised, Sarah conceived and gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. Abraham named the child Isaac, as God had commanded, and circumcised him on the eighth day as a sign of the covenant. Abraham was one hundred years old when Isaac was born.

Sarah rejoiced at the birth of Isaac and said that God had made her laugh, so that all who heard would laugh with her. Abraham later made a great feast when Isaac was weaned. Thus, the birth of Isaac showed that God had fulfilled His promise and would honour His covenant with Abraham.

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(a) Jesus' teaching on adultery, divorce and swearing in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:27-37)

Adultery.

• Jesus recalled the command, You shall not commit adultery, but deepened it, teaching that whoever looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
• He used vivid language, saying that if the right eye or right hand causes one to sin, it is better to pluck it out or cut it off than for the whole body to be thrown into hell. He thus located sin in the heart, not merely the outward act.

Divorce.

• The law of Moses permitted a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce. But Jesus taught that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. He thus upheld the sanctity and permanence of marriage.

Swearing (oaths).

• The people were told not to swear falsely but to perform their oaths to the Lord. Jesus commanded, Do not swear at all, neither by heaven, nor earth, nor Jerusalem, nor by one's own head.
• Instead a Christian's word should be simple and truthful: Let your Yes be Yes and your No be No; anything more comes from evil.

(b) Two lessons to be drawn from Jesus' attitude

1. God is concerned with the inner heart, not just outward conduct. True righteousness begins with pure thoughts and motives, not merely avoiding the outward act of sin.
2. Christians must be truthful and faithful. They should honour the permanence of marriage and be so honest that their plain word can be trusted without the need for oaths.

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How James proved that 'faith apart from works is dead' (James 2:14-26)

• James began with a searching question: What good is it if a man says he has faith but has no works? Can that faith save him?
• He gave a practical illustration: if a brother or sister is naked and lacking daily food, and one merely says, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them what they need, such words are useless. So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
• He anticipated an objection, You have faith and I have works, and replied, Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
• He argued that mere belief is not enough: Even the demons believe that God is one, and they shudder. Bare intellectual belief does not save.
• He appealed to Abraham, who was justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. His faith was active along with his works, and by works his faith was completed; thus the scripture was fulfilled, Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness, and he was called the friend of God.
• He also cited Rahab the harlot, who was justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way.
• He concluded with a memorable comparison: As the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.

Thus James proved his point by argument, by everyday illustration, and by the concrete examples of Abraham and Rahab, showing that true, living faith must express itself in obedient action and good deeds.

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(a) The events leading to the reconciliation between David and Abner (2 Samuel 3)

• After the death of Saul, there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. David grew stronger while the house of Saul grew weaker.
• Abner, the commander of Saul's army, had made Ishbosheth, Saul's son, king over Israel, holding the real power in the northern kingdom.
• Ishbosheth accused Abner of going in to Rizpah, Saul's concubine, a charge implying a claim to the throne. Abner became very angry.
• Abner swore to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul to David and to set up David's throne over all Israel and Judah. Ishbosheth was too afraid to answer him.
• Abner sent messengers to David, offering to make a covenant and to bring all Israel over to him. David agreed, but on one condition, that Abner should bring Michal, Saul's daughter and David's wife.
• Abner then conferred with the elders of Israel and the Benjamites, urging them to make David king, and went to Hebron to report to David.
• David made a feast for Abner and the men with him. Abner promised to gather all Israel to David, and David sent him away in peace. Thus the two were reconciled.
• (Afterwards, Joab, unaware of the peace, treacherously killed Abner to avenge his brother Asahel, and David publicly mourned Abner and declared himself innocent of his blood.)

(b) Two lessons that could be derived from the story

1. Reconciliation and peace-making are pleasing to God. David was willing to receive a former enemy and make peace, showing that grievances can be set aside for the common good.
2. Pride and revenge are destructive. Ishbosheth's rash accusation and Joab's vengeful murder show how anger and revenge can undo efforts at peace and bring ruin.

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(a) The work of Philip in Samaria (Acts 8:4-13)

• After the martyrdom of Stephen, a great persecution scattered the believers, and those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
• Philip went down to a city of Samaria and proclaimed Christ to them.
• The crowds paid close attention to what Philip said when they heard him and saw the signs he did.
• Unclean spirits came out of many, crying with a loud voice, and many who were paralysed or lame were healed.
• As a result there was great joy in that city.
• In the city was a man named Simon, who had practised magic and amazed the people, claiming to be somebody great, so that they called him the power of God that is called Great.
• When they believed Philip's preaching of the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptised.
• Even Simon himself believed and was baptised, and he continued with Philip, amazed at the signs and great miracles performed.
• (Later the apostles Peter and John came down from Jerusalem, prayed for the Samaritans and laid hands on them so that they received the Holy Spirit.)

(b) Two ways the activities of the Holy Spirit were manifested in Samaria

1. Through miracles and healings. Unclean spirits were cast out and the paralysed and lame were healed, demonstrating the Spirit's power through Philip.
2. Through the reception of the Spirit by the believers. When the apostles laid hands on the baptised Samaritans, they received the Holy Spirit, marking their full incorporation into the Church.

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(a) How Jesus dealt with the question about inheriting eternal life (Luke 10:25-37)

• A lawyer stood up to test Jesus, asking, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
• Jesus threw the question back to him, asking, What is written in the law? How do you read it?
• The lawyer answered by quoting the two great commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself.
• Jesus commended him, saying, You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.
• But the lawyer, wishing to justify himself, asked, And who is my neighbour?
• Jesus replied with the Parable of the Good Samaritan: a man travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho fell among robbers who stripped, beat and left him half dead. A priest and a Levite saw him but passed by on the other side. A Samaritan, however, had compassion, bound his wounds, poured on oil and wine, set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, cared for him and paid the innkeeper to look after him.
• Jesus then asked, Which of these proved neighbour to the man? The lawyer replied, The one who showed mercy. Jesus said, Go and do likewise.

(b) Two ways a Christian could show concern for others

1. Helping the needy and the suffering by giving food, clothing, shelter, money or medical care to the poor, the sick and victims of misfortune.
2. Showing compassion and kindness to all, without regard to tribe, race or status, and offering comfort, encouragement and practical assistance to those in distress.

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(a) Solomon's dream at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:5-15)

• Solomon went to Gibeon, the great high place, to offer sacrifice, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon the altar.
• At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night and said, Ask what I shall give you.
• Solomon answered with humility, acknowledging God's great steadfast love to his father David and confessing that he was but a little child who did not know how to go out or come in, set over a people too numerous to be counted.
• He therefore asked God to give him an understanding heart to govern the people and to discern between good and evil.
• The request pleased the Lord because Solomon had not asked for long life, riches, or the death of his enemies, but for wisdom to do justice.
• God promised to give him a wise and discerning heart, so that there had been none like him before and none would arise after him. In addition, God gave him what he had not asked, riches and honour, and promised him long life if he would walk in God's ways.
• Solomon awoke and realised it was a dream, then went to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant, offered offerings, and made a feast for his servants.

(b) Two reasons to approve of Solomon's request

1. He sought wisdom to serve others, not personal gain. Solomon asked for an understanding heart to govern God's people justly rather than for wealth, long life or victory over enemies, showing an unselfish spirit.
2. Wisdom is the foundation of good leadership. A ruler needs discernment to judge rightly between good and evil; by asking for it, Solomon showed a proper sense of his responsibility and dependence on God.

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(a) Paul's teaching to the Philippians about humility (Philippians 2:1-11)

• Paul appealed to the believers, on the basis of their encouragement in Christ, comfort of love and fellowship in the Spirit, to be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord.
• They were to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility to count others more significant than themselves.
• Each was to look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.
• He set before them the example of Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.
• Instead Christ emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
• Being found in human form, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
• Therefore God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(b) Two ways a Christian could manifest the spirit of humility

1. By serving others selflessly and putting their needs and interests above one's own, as Christ became a servant.
2. By avoiding pride and boasting, being ready to submit, to accept correction, and to esteem others as better than oneself.

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Matthew's account of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:32-66)

The crucifixion.

• As they went out, they compelled a man of Cyrene named Simon to carry the cross of Jesus.
• They came to Golgotha, the place of a skull, and offered Jesus wine mingled with gall, but when He tasted it He would not drink.
• They crucified Him and divided His garments by casting lots, then sat down and kept watch over Him.
• Over His head they placed the charge against Him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.
• Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left.
• Passers-by mocked Him, wagging their heads; the chief priests, scribes and elders taunted, He saved others; He cannot save Himself. Let Him come down from the cross. The robbers also reviled Him.
• From the sixth to the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.
• About the ninth hour Jesus cried out, Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani? that is, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Some thought He was calling Elijah, and one ran to give Him sour wine on a sponge.
• Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit.
• At once the curtain of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth shook, rocks split, tombs were opened and bodies of saints were raised.
• The centurion and those with him, seeing these things, were filled with awe and said, Truly this was the Son of God. Many women who had followed Jesus watched from a distance.

The burial.

• In the evening a rich man of Arimathea named Joseph, a disciple of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for the body. Pilate ordered it given to him.
• Joseph wrapped the body in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb cut in the rock, then rolled a great stone to the door and departed.
• Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat opposite the tomb.
• The next day the chief priests and Pharisees asked Pilate to secure the tomb. Pilate gave them a guard, and they sealed the stone and set a watch to prevent the disciples from stealing the body.

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(a) God's message to Israel through Isaiah when they offended Him (Isaiah 1)

• God, through Isaiah, summoned heaven and earth as witnesses and complained that Israel, the children He had reared, had rebelled against Him. Even the ox knows its owner, but Israel did not know or understand.
• He called them a sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers who had forsaken the Lord and were utterly estranged.
• He described the nation as desolate and sick from the sole of the foot to the head, their cities burned and their land ruined by strangers.
• God rejected their empty religious worship. He was weary of their multitude of sacrifices, burnt offerings, incense, new moons, sabbaths and appointed feasts. He would not listen to their prayers because their hands were full of blood.
• He called them to repentance: Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression, defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.
• He offered forgiveness and hope: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. If they were willing and obedient they would eat the good of the land, but if they refused and rebelled they would be devoured by the sword.

(b) Two ways these issues are still prevalent in society

1. Empty and hypocritical religion. Many people today engage in outward worship, church attendance and offerings while living unjust and sinful lives, just as Israel did.
2. Injustice and oppression of the weak. Corruption, bribery, oppression of the poor, and neglect of orphans, widows and the vulnerable remain common in our communities, exactly the wrongs Isaiah condemned.

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(a) Why Paul advocated submission to those in authority (Romans 13:1-7)

• Paul taught that every person should be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God.
• The authorities that exist have been instituted by God, so whoever resists them resists what God has appointed and will incur judgement.
• Rulers are not a terror to good conduct but to bad. The one who does good has nothing to fear and will receive approval; the ruler is God's servant for our good.
• The authority does not bear the sword in vain; it is God's servant, an avenger who carries out wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid punishment but for the sake of conscience.
• For the same reason Christians should pay taxes, revenue, respect and honour to whom they are due, since the officials are ministers of God.

(b) Four ways to help the school authority maintain law and order

1. Obeying the school rules and regulations willingly and encouraging others to do the same.
2. Respecting teachers, prefects and other officers and cooperating with them in carrying out their duties.
3. Reporting wrongdoing, threats or dangers such as bullying, cultism or vandalism to the school authorities.
4. Serving faithfully in positions of responsibility, such as prefect or class monitor, and setting a good example of discipline and punctuality.

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(a) Peter's advice to the elders and members on interpersonal relationships (1 Peter 5:1-7)

To the elders.

• Peter, as a fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, exhorted the elders to shepherd the flock of God that was among them, exercising oversight.
• They were to do this not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have them.
• They were to serve not for shameful gain but eagerly.
• They were not to domineer over those in their charge but to be examples to the flock.
• When the chief Shepherd appears, they would receive the unfading crown of glory.

To the younger members and all.

• The younger were to be subject to the elders.
• All were to clothe themselves with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
• They were to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God and cast all their anxieties on Him, because He cares for them.

(b) Two duties of a good church leader

1. To care for and guide the members, shepherding the flock diligently, teaching them and watching over their spiritual welfare.
2. To lead by good example, serving humbly and willingly rather than domineering or seeking personal gain.