WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 1999 (Essay)

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The resurrection appearances of Jesus in St. Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 28)

The empty tomb and the appearance to the women.

• After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
• There was a great earthquake, and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. The guards trembled and became like dead men.
• The angel told the women, Do not be afraid; He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. He invited them to see the place where He lay and told them to go quickly and tell the disciples that He had risen and was going before them to Galilee.
• As they ran with fear and great joy to tell the disciples, Jesus Himself met them and said, Greetings. They came, took hold of His feet and worshipped Him. Jesus said, Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.

The report of the guards.

• Some of the guards told the chief priests what had happened. The priests bribed the soldiers to say, His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we slept.

The appearance on the mountain in Galilee (the Great Commission).

• The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him they worshipped Him, but some doubted.
• Jesus came and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
• He commanded them, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
• He gave the promise, And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

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(a) How Gamaliel saved the apostles during their trial by the Sanhedrin (Acts 5:33-40)

• When the apostles boldly declared that they must obey God rather than men, the members of the council were enraged and wanted to kill them.
• Then a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honour by all the people, stood up in the council.
• He ordered the apostles to be put outside for a while, then addressed the council, urging them to be careful what they intended to do with these men.
• He cited two historical examples. Theudas had risen up claiming to be somebody and gathered about four hundred men, but he was killed and his followers scattered and came to nothing.
• After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and drew people after him, but he too perished and his followers were dispersed.
• Gamaliel then gave his famous counsel: Keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them, and you might even be found opposing God.
• The council was persuaded by him. They called in the apostles, beat them, charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. Thus Gamaliel's wise counsel saved the apostles from death.

(b) Two qualities that can be attributed to Gamaliel

1. Wisdom and prudence. He reasoned carefully from history and gave sound, balanced advice rather than acting in anger.
2. Tolerance and fairness (open-mindedness). He was willing to let matters be tested by time and by God, showing moderation and respect for the possibility that the movement might be from God.

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(a) The main features of the covenant between God and Abraham in Canaan (Genesis 17)

• When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.
• God promised to make His covenant with Abram and multiply him greatly, making him the father of a multitude of nations.
• God changed his name from Abram to Abraham, meaning father of many nations, and later changed Sarai to Sarah.
• God declared the covenant to be everlasting, to be established with Abraham and his descendants after him throughout their generations, promising, I will be their God.
• God promised to give to Abraham and his offspring the whole land of Canaan as an everlasting possession.
• God required Abraham and every male among his household to be circumcised as the sign of the covenant. Every male was to be circumcised at eight days old; the uncircumcised would be cut off as one who had broken the covenant.
• God promised that Sarah would bear a son, Isaac, with whom the covenant would be established, though God would also bless Ishmael and make him a great nation.

(b) Two lessons from the event

1. God is faithful to His promises. He binds Himself by covenant and fulfils His word even when it seems humanly impossible, as with the promise of a son to aged parents.
2. Covenant relationship demands obedience and holiness. God required Abraham to walk blamelessly and to keep the sign of circumcision, showing that fellowship with God carries obligations.

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(a) The concept of 'Giving' in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8-9)

Paul taught the Corinthians about generous giving, using the churches of Macedonia as an example. In a severe test of affliction and extreme poverty, the Macedonians overflowed in a wealth of liberality, giving beyond their means and even begging earnestly for the favour of taking part in the relief of the saints. They first gave themselves to the Lord. Paul urged the Corinthians to excel in this grace of giving as they excelled in faith, speech and knowledge.

He set before them the supreme example of Christ, "who though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." He taught the following principles of giving:

• Giving should be according to what one has, not what one does not have; the willing gift is acceptable according to a person's means.
• It should be planned and ready beforehand, so that it is a willing gift and not an extortion.
• "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
• Each person should give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, "for God loves a cheerful giver."
• God is able to make all grace abound to the giver, supplying his needs so that he may be generous, and giving results in thanksgiving to God.

(b) Two ways a Christian can provide relief for the suffering of others

• By giving material and financial help such as food, money, clothing and shelter to the poor, the sick and the needy.
• By offering personal service, care, comfort and encouragement, and by supporting charitable and relief works of the church.

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(a) God's intervention on behalf of Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18)

• After Elijah had slain the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him. Afraid, Elijah fled for his life to Beersheba and went a day's journey into the wilderness.
• Exhausted and despairing, he sat under a broom tree and asked to die, saying, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life. Then he lay down and slept.
• God sent an angel who touched him and said, Arise and eat. Elijah found a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water at his head. He ate, drank and lay down again.
• The angel came a second time, touched him and said, Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.
• Strengthened by that food, Elijah travelled forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.
• There he lodged in a cave, and the Lord asked, What are you doing here, Elijah? Elijah complained that he alone was left and they sought his life.
• God told him to stand on the mount. A great wind, an earthquake and a fire passed by, but the Lord was not in them. After the fire came a still small voice (a low whisper), and in it God spoke to Elijah.
• God reassured and re-commissioned him, telling him to anoint Hazael king of Syria, Jehu king of Israel, and Elisha as prophet in his place, and revealing that He had reserved seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. Elijah was thus not alone.

(b) Two lessons about the nature of God from this story

1. God is caring and compassionate. He tenderly provided food, water and rest for His discouraged servant and did not abandon him in his despair.
2. God is present in gentleness, not only in dramatic power. He revealed Himself in the still small voice rather than in the wind, earthquake or fire, showing that He often works quietly and patiently.

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(a) The Lukan account of the annunciation of the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38)

• In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth in Galilee.
• He came to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David; the virgin's name was Mary.
• Gabriel greeted her, Hail, O favoured one, the Lord is with you. Mary was greatly troubled and wondered what kind of greeting this was.
• The angel said, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. He announced that she would conceive and bear a son and call His name Jesus.
• He would be great and called the Son of the Most High; God would give Him the throne of His father David, and He would reign over the house of Jacob forever, of whose kingdom there would be no end.
• Mary asked, How will this be, since I have no husband? The angel answered that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her; therefore the child would be holy, the Son of God.
• Gabriel gave her a sign, telling her that her relative Elizabeth had also conceived a son in her old age, for nothing is impossible with God.
• Mary responded in humble submission, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. Then the angel departed.

(b) Two ways the Lukan account differs from that of Matthew

1. The recipient of the announcement. In Luke the angel appears to Mary and announces the birth to her, whereas in Matthew the angel appears to Joseph in a dream.
2. The manner and setting. In Luke the announcement is made before conception by the named angel Gabriel in a waking visit; in Matthew it is given after Mary is found to be with child, through a dream, to reassure Joseph and tell him not to divorce her.

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(a) Why a new covenant was established in the time of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

• The Lord declared that the days were coming when He would make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
• It would not be like the covenant He made with their fathers when He took them by the hand to bring them out of Egypt.
• The reason was that the people had broken that former covenant, though God had been a husband to them. The old covenant, written on tablets of stone, had failed because of Israel's repeated disobedience and unfaithfulness.
• The new covenant would be inward and personal: God would put His law within them and write it on their hearts, not merely on stone.
• Under it, He would be their God and they would be His people. There would be a direct knowledge of God, from the least to the greatest, without needing every man to teach his neighbour.
• Above all, God promised, I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more. The new covenant was therefore established because the old one had been broken and a deeper, heart-based, forgiving relationship was needed.

(b) Two consequences the Israelites faced for breaking God's covenant

1. Defeat, destruction and exile. They were conquered by their enemies, Jerusalem was destroyed, and the people were carried away into captivity in Babylon.
2. Loss of God's favour and protection. Because of their unfaithfulness they suffered God's judgement, hardship and the withdrawal of the blessings promised to a covenant-keeping people.

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How Paul proved that Christians are children of God (Galatians 3:26 - 4:7; Romans 8:14-17)

• Paul taught that in Christ Jesus we are all children of God through faith. It is faith in Christ, not the works of the law, that makes a person a child of God.
• He pointed to baptism: as many as have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ. In Him there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.
• He argued that those who belong to Christ are Abraham's offspring and heirs according to the promise.
• Paul used the illustration of an heir who is still a child: while under age he is no better than a slave, kept under guardians until the time set by the father. So too, before Christ came, people were enslaved under the law and the elemental principles of the world.
• But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
• As proof of this sonship, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. The very cry of the Spirit within believers testifies that they are God's children.
• Paul concluded, So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. In Romans he adds that all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God, and that the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.

Thus Paul proved Christian sonship by faith in Christ, by baptism into Christ, by the redemption and adoption accomplished through God's Son, and by the inward witness of the Holy Spirit who cries, Abba, Father.

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The story of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36)

• About six days after Peter's confession (Luke says about eight days), Jesus took Peter, James and John, his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart to pray.
• As Jesus prayed, He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and His garments became dazzling white, whiter than any launderer could bleach them.
• Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus. Luke adds that they spoke of His departure (exodus) which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem.
• Peter, not knowing what to say, for they were terrified, said, Lord, it is good that we are here; let us make three tabernacles, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.
• While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.
• When the disciples heard the voice they fell on their faces, terrified. But Jesus came, touched them and said, Rise, and have no fear.
• When they lifted their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
• As they came down the mountain, Jesus charged them to tell no one the vision until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. The disciples then asked why the scribes said Elijah must come first, and Jesus explained that Elijah had already come (referring to John the Baptist) and they had done to him as they pleased.

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(a) Why, according to Peter, Christians should rejoice in spite of trials (1 Peter 1:3-9)

Peter praised God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused believers to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He gave the following reasons for rejoicing even in the midst of trials:

• Christians have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for them, and they themselves are guarded by God's power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed.
• The trials, though painful, are only for a little while and are necessary; they come so that the genuineness of their faith, more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be proved and result in praise, glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
• Suffering purifies and strengthens faith, just as fire refines gold.
• Though they have not seen Christ, they love Him and believe in Him, and so rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and full of glory.
• They are obtaining the outcome of their faith, the salvation of their souls, which is the sure end of their hope.

(b) Two virtues Christians should manifest to show their joy

• Faith in Christ, remaining steadfast and trusting God even in the midst of suffering.
• Love for Christ and for one another, together with patient endurance and holy living.

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(a) Jonah's message to the Ninevites and their response (Jonah 3)

• After Jonah was delivered from the great fish, the word of the Lord came to him a second time, commanding him to go to Nineveh and proclaim the message God gave him.
• Jonah obeyed and went into the great city, which was a three days' journey in breadth.
• He began by going a day's journey in, and proclaimed: Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
• The people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least.
• When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
• The king issued a decree that neither man nor beast should eat or drink, that all should be covered with sackcloth and cry mightily to God, and that everyone should turn from his evil way and from the violence in his hands.
• He hoped that God might turn and relent so that they would not perish.
• When God saw their works and that they turned from their evil way, He relented of the disaster He had said He would bring, and He did not destroy them.

(b) Two lessons that could be drawn from this story

1. God is merciful and ready to forgive those who truly repent. When the Ninevites turned from their sins, God spared them, showing that sincere repentance brings pardon.
2. Genuine repentance must lead to a change of conduct. The Ninevites not only fasted and prayed but turned from their evil ways and violence, proving that true repentance is shown in action.

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(a) Paul's teaching on resurrection (1 Corinthians 15)

• Paul reminded the Corinthians of the gospel he had preached: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again on the third day.
• He listed the witnesses of the risen Christ: He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve, then to more than five hundred brethren at once, then to James, to all the apostles, and last of all to Paul himself.
• He argued that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then preaching is vain, faith is vain, believers are still in their sins, and those who have died in Christ have perished. If our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are of all people most to be pitied.
• But he affirmed, Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.
• Paul explained the order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Him. Then comes the end, when He hands the kingdom to God, having destroyed every rule and authority, and the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
• On the nature of the resurrection body, he used the picture of a seed which must die before it comes to life. The body is sown perishable, in dishonour and weakness, a natural body; it is raised imperishable, in glory and power, a spiritual body.
• He declared, Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. At the last trumpet the dead will be raised imperishable and the living changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. This mortal must put on immortality, and then the saying will be fulfilled, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting?
• He gave thanks to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, and urged believers to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

(b) Two reasons why the resurrection of Jesus is of great significance to Christians

1. It is the foundation and proof of the Christian faith. The resurrection confirms that Christ's death conquered sin and that His claims are true; without it, faith and preaching would be empty.
2. It guarantees the believer's own resurrection and eternal life. Because Christ rose as the firstfruits, Christians have the assurance that they too will be raised to immortal life and share in His victory over death.