WAEC Christian Religious Studies OBJ 2025
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WAEC Christian Religious Studies Essay 2025
Number 1
(1a)
King Hiram’s Role towards the Building of the Temple (1 Kings 5: 1 – 12):
(i) King Hiram of Tyre was a friend of David .
(ii) He sent congratulatory message to Solomon upon hearing of Solomon’s succession to David.
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(iii) Solomon in. turn sent word to Hiram about David’s unsuccessful attempts to build the temple because of wars that faced him.
(iv) David’s initiatives included the acquisition of the land for the site and arrangements for the supply of timber from Phoenicia.
(v) Solomon decided to build the temple in fulfillment of his father’s aspirations.
(vi) Thus Solomon, after introducing himself to Hiram, had a treaty of friendship made to forge peace and unity.
(vii) Solomon then made a request for the sale of cedar and cypress wood to him by Hiram.
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(viii) He further requested that the servants of the king of Tyre work together with his servants as he was prepared to pay them.
(ix) Hiram agreed and decided to have his servants cut the woods into rafts and get them for shipping down the Mediterranean sea to Lebanon.
(x) And when this was done, Solomon was to pay by supplying food for the king’s household.
(xi) Thus Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedars and cypress wood desired while Solomon gave Hiram wheat and oil.
(xii) The building of the temple provided a proper religious centre for the worship of Yahweh in Israel.
(1b)
(i) promotes love and peace.
(ii) provides support for one another in times of need/mutual co-operation.
(iii) encourages shared responsibility/teaming up to do things.
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Number 2
2a)
The contest on Mount Carmel took place during the reign of King Ahab in Israel. The people of Israel had turned away from God to worship Baal, led by Ahab and his wife Jezebel. To prove that the Lord is the only true God, the prophet Elijah challenged the 450 prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel.
Elijah told the people of Israel to choose between God and Baal. He proposed that both he and the prophets of Baal should prepare a bull as a sacrifice without lighting a fire. Each would call on their god, and the god who answered by fire would be declared the true God.
The prophets of Baal went first. They prayed from morning until evening, shouting and dancing around their altar. They even cut themselves with swords and spears to attract Baal’s attention, but there was no response—no fire came.
Then Elijah repaired the broken altar of the Lord and placed a bull on it. He poured twelve jars of water over the sacrifice, the wood, and even filled a trench around the altar with water, making it humanly impossible for it to catch fire.
Elijah prayed to God, asking Him to show the people that He alone is God. Immediately, the fire of the Lord fell from heaven. It consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, the dust, and even licked up the water in the trench.
When the people saw this, they fell on their faces and exclaimed, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” Elijah then ordered that the prophets of Baal be seized and executed at the brook Kishon.
This event clearly demonstrated the supremacy of God over all other gods. It showed that God is the only one who answers prayers and performs mighty acts, unlike Baal who remained silent.
(2b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) The Church can preach and teach the Word of God to condemn immoral acts and promote righteousness.
(ii) It can offer moral and spiritual counseling to help people overcome immoral behaviors.
(iii) The Church can organize educational programs like seminars and Bible studies to teach Christian values.
(iv) Church leaders and members can serve as good examples by living morally upright lives.
(v) It can discipline members who engage in immoral acts to discourage such behavior.
(vi) The Church can carry out community outreach to promote godly living in public spaces.
(vii) It can partner with government and organizations to fight social vices like drug abuse and cultism.
(viii) The Church can pray and intercede for moral revival and transformation in society.
(ix) It can use media platforms to spread messages against immorality and encourage good conduct.
(x) The Church can support and rehabilitate victims of immoral acts to help them recover and live better lives.
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Number 3
(3a)
Amos was a prophet divinely appointed by God to deliver a message of judgment against the sinful acts of the people of Israel. He prophesied during the reign of King Jeroboam II when Israel enjoyed political stability but was spiritually and morally corrupt. Amos was not a prophet by profession; he was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees from Tekoa in Judah. Yet, he was called by God to travel to Israel and confront the nation with its sins.
While carrying out his mission, Amos encountered opposition from Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. Bethel was one of the major centers of idol worship in Israel, and Amaziah, as a representative of the religious institution, felt threatened by Amos’ prophecies. Amos had boldly declared that Israel would be destroyed, its people exiled, and that King Jeroboam would die by the sword—messages that stirred political tension and offended the ruling class.
Amaziah accused Amos of conspiracy against the king and sent a report to King Jeroboam. In an attempt to silence him, Amaziah ordered Amos to flee back to Judah and never prophesy again in Bethel, claiming it was the king’s sanctuary and a national temple. Amaziah believed that Amos was only prophesying for personal gain and had no divine authority.
Amos, in his defense, made it clear that he was neither a prophet by profession nor trained under any prophetic school. He was simply a shepherd and a sycamore farmer before God called him to deliver His message. He strongly emphasized that his prophetic duty was not self-appointed but a divine mandate.
Amos boldly responded with God’s judgment against Amaziah. He declared that Amaziah’s wife would become a prostitute in the city, his children would be killed by the sword, his land would be divided and taken away, and he would die in a pagan land. Moreover, Amos reaffirmed that Israel would surely go into exile because of its disobedience and rejection of God.
This encounter reveals the deep tension between true prophets and corrupt religious systems, and it underscores the courage of Amos in the face of persecution for delivering an unpopular but divinely inspired message.
(3b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Religious corruption and hypocrisy
(ii) False accusation and conspiracy
(iii) Suppression of prophecy
(iv) Misuse of sacred space
(v) Rejection of divine calling
(vi) Materialism in religion
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Number 4
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Number 5
The risen Christ appeared to two disciples, Cleopas and another unnamed disciple, on their way to Emmaus. They were discussing the recent events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion, expressing their disappointment and sadness, wondering if Jesus was indeed the Messiah they had hoped for. Jesus joined them, and they didn’t recognize him at first, seemingly blinded by their grief and doubt. He asked them about their conversation, and they shared their sorrow, telling him about Jesus’ crucifixion and their shattered hopes. Jesus then began to explain the scriptures concerning himself, starting from Moses and all the Prophets, showing them how the Messiah had to suffer and then enter his glory.
As they walked and Jesus taught, their hearts burned within them, filled with a growing sense of wonder and understanding. Despite this, their eyes remained closed to his true identity. It wasn’t until they invited him to stay with them, and he broke bread, blessing it, that their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. In that moment, they realized it was Jesus who had been walking with them, teaching them, and revealing himself to them through the scriptures.
Immediately after recognition, Jesus vanished from their sight, leaving them with a profound sense of awe and wonder.
(5b)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i)Assurance of Salvation: The resurrection of Jesus is a guarantee of salvation for believers. It shows that Jesus’ sacrifice was accepted by God, and through faith in him, believers can have eternal life
(ii)Victory over Death and Sin: The resurrection signifies Jesus’ power over death and sin, providing believers with the hope of overcoming their own struggles with sin and ultimately being raised from the dead.
(iii) Hope for Eternal Life: The resurrection of Jesus gives Christians the hope of eternal life. Believers trust that just as Jesus was raised from the dead, they too will be raised and live eternally with God.
(iv)Empowerment and Strength: The knowledge of Jesus’ resurrection empowers Christians to live boldly and face challenges with faith, knowing that Jesus is alive and supports them.
(v)Assurance of Future Judgment and Glory: The resurrection assures believers of a future judgment where justice will be meted out by the risen Christ. It also points to the future glory that awaits believers, motivating them to live according to God’s will.
Number 6
(6a)
(PICK ANY ONE)
This statement was made by a king in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant as recorded in Matthew 18:21–35. The circumstance arose after Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive a brother who sins against him, suggesting seven times. Jesus replied, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven,” and then gave the parable to illustrate the importance of forgiveness.
In the parable, a certain king decided to settle accounts with his servants. One of them owed him ten thousand talents but could not pay. The king ordered that the servant, along with his wife and children, be sold to repay the debt. However, the servant fell on his knees and pleaded with the king to have patience with him, promising to repay everything. Out of pity, the king forgave him the entire debt and released him.
Later, this same servant found a fellow servant who owed him a hundred denarii. Instead of showing the same mercy, he grabbed him and began to choke him, demanding repayment. The fellow servant also pleaded for more time, but the forgiven servant refused and had him thrown into prison.
When other servants saw what happened, they were distressed and reported it to the king. The king, upon hearing the matter, summoned the servant and rebuked him harshly. It was in this context that the king said, “You wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you besought me”. He reminded him that he should have shown the same mercy to his fellow servant. The king then handed him over to the jailers until he repaid all he owed.
Jesus concluded the parable by saying that God will deal similarly with anyone who refuses to forgive others from the heart.
OR
This statement was made in the parable of the unforgiving servant, which Jesus told in response to Peter’s question about forgiveness in Matthew 18:21–35. Peter had asked Jesus how many times he should forgive a brother who sins against him, suggesting seven times. Jesus replied, “Not seven times but seventy times seven,” indicating unlimited forgiveness. He then told a parable to drive the lesson home.
In the parable, a king wanted to settle accounts with his servants. One of the servants owed him ten thousand talents, a huge amount of money. Since the servant could not pay, the king ordered that he, his family, and his possessions be sold to recover the debt. The servant pleaded for mercy and more time to repay. Moved with compassion, the king forgave him the entire debt and let him go.
However, this same servant later found a fellow servant who owed him only a hundred denarii, a much smaller amount. Instead of showing mercy, he grabbed him and demanded payment. When the fellow servant pleaded for more time, he refused and had him thrown into prison.
Other servants who witnessed the event were troubled and reported it to the king. The king summoned the first servant and rebuked him for his wickedness. He reminded him that he had been forgiven a greater debt because he begged for mercy, yet he failed to show the same compassion to his fellow servant. It was in this context that the king said, “You wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you besought me.” The king then handed him over to the jailers until he paid all he owed.
(6b)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Forgiveness is a direct command from Jesus Christ. Christians benefit spiritually by obeying God’s instruction to forgive others just as He forgives them.
(ii) Forgiveness helps to heal broken relationships and promotes peace, unity, and love among individuals and within the Christian community.
(iii) By forgiving others, Christians free themselves from the burden of anger, resentment, and bitterness, which can harm their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
(iv) According to Jesus’ teaching, those who forgive others will also receive forgiveness from God. Christians benefit eternally by maintaining a clean heart before God through a forgiving spirit.
Number 7
(7a)
(PICK ANY ONE)
After the apostles were arrested for preaching about Jesus, they were brought before the Jewish council, the Sanhedrin. The high priest and the Sadducees were furious that the apostles continued teaching in Jesus name despite previous warnings. The apostles boldly stated that they would obey God rather than men and testified about Jesus’ resurrection.
Their response angered the council members so much that they considered killing them. But Gamaliel, a Pharisee, a doctor of the law, and a highly respected member of the council, stood up. He asked that the apostles be removed from the chamber for a while so he could address the council.
Gamaliel advised the council to be careful about how they handled the apostles. He reminded them of past examples like Theudas, who claimed to be somebody but was killed and his followers scattered, and Judas of Galilee, who led a revolt but also perished, with his followers disbanded.
Using these examples, Gamaliel warned that if the apostles movement was of human origin, it would fail on its own. But if it was from God, then fighting against it would mean fighting against God himself.
His advice calmed the situation, and the Sanhedrin accepted his counsel. They decided not to kill the apostles. Instead, they flogged them, warned them again not to preach in the name of Jesus, and released them.
Gamaliel’s intervention helped preserve the lives of the apostles and showed wisdom and tolerance in the face of religious conflict.
OR
The intervention of Gamaliel occurred during the early persecution of the apostles as recorded in Acts of the Apostles chapter 5. After the apostles were arrested for preaching about Jesus and performing miracles, they were brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. The high priest and the Sadducees were particularly angry because the apostles continued to spread the gospel despite being warned not to.
The apostles boldly declared that they must obey God rather than men and that Jesus, whom the leaders had crucified, was risen and exalted by God. This enraged the council and they considered putting the apostles to death.
At this point, Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up in the council. He ordered the apostles to be put outside for a while so he could address the council. In his speech, Gamaliel advised caution. He reminded them of past examples of false leaders such as Theudas and Judas the Galilean, both of whom gathered followers but were eventually killed, and their movements faded away.
Gamaliel reasoned that if the apostles’ message was of human origin, it would fail just like the others. However, if it was from God, they would not be able to stop it, and might even find themselves fighting against God. His wise and moderate counsel convinced the council.
The Sanhedrin agreed with Gamaliel. Although they still had the apostles flogged and warned them again not to speak in the name of Jesus, they spared their lives and released them.
Gamaliel’s intervention is seen as a voice of reason and wisdom that prevented the immediate execution of the apostles and demonstrated the importance of allowing God’s will to prevail.
(7b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Christians can promote the growth of the church by preaching the gospel to others.
(ii) They can participate actively in church activities and programs.
(iii) They can give financial support to the church through tithes and offerings.
(iv) They can live righteous and Christ-like lives to attract unbelievers.
(v) They can pray regularly for the growth and unity of the church.
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Number 8
(8a)
In his first epistle, Peter exhorts Christians to remind them of their unique identity and responsibility in Christ. He refers to believers as a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own people,” emphasizing that Christians are set apart for divine purposes. This statement is deeply rooted in Old Testament language but applied by Peter to the New Testament church to show that, through Christ, Christians have inherited a new covenant status.
Peter exhorts Christians to live as people who have received mercy and have been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light. He encourages them to reflect this transformation in their conduct. As a royal priesthood, believers are expected to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. This means that their lives should be marked by holiness, service, worship, and obedience. They are not just passive recipients of grace but active participants in God’s redemptive plan.
He further warns them to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against the soul. Peter’s exhortation stresses the need for moral purity and spiritual discipline. Christians are to be different from the world, not through isolation, but by their conduct. This conduct is a witness to unbelievers, as Peter urges believers to live honorably among the Gentiles so that even those who accuse them of wrongdoing may see their good deeds and glorify God.
Peter also calls on Christians to submit to authority, be it governmental or social, not out of fear but out of reverence for God. He understands that many Christians faced persecution and rejection, but he urges them not to respond with retaliation or bitterness. Instead, they are to follow the example of Christ, who suffered unjustly yet remained faithful and obedient.
Peter exhorts believers to love one another deeply, from the heart. Since they have been born again through the living and abiding word of God, their relationships must be marked by compassion, sincerity, and humility. Love, according to Peter, is the binding force that holds the Christian community together and a crucial aspect of their witness.
Peter reminds them that their identity comes with a mission, to declare the praises of Him who called them. Christians are called to be witnesses through word and lifestyle. Their purpose is not self-glorification but the glorification of God. In summary, Peter’s exhortation is a call to live a holy, disciplined, and loving life that reflects their new identity in Christ and draws others to the light of God’s salvation.
OR
Apostle Peter reminds Christians of their new identity and spiritual heritage through the statement, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people.” This statement is rich in meaning and serves as a call for Christians to live lives worthy of their calling. Peter was writing to Christians scattered across regions who were experiencing trials and persecution, and he wanted to encourage them with the truth of who they had become in Christ.
By calling them a “chosen race,” Peter emphasizes that Christians are not ordinary people but have been specifically selected by God for a divine purpose. This echoes the Old Testament description of Israel, showing that just as Israel was chosen to be God’s people, so are all who believe in Jesus Christ. This election is not based on personal merit but on God’s grace, and it demands a life of obedience and holiness in return.
The phrase “royal priesthood” points to the dual role Christians play in the spiritual realm. As priests, they are to offer spiritual sacrifices, such as prayers, praises, acts of kindness, and lives that honor God. As royalty, they share in the authority and inheritance of Christ the King. This means they should live with dignity, purpose, and responsibility, knowing they represent God’s kingdom on earth.
Peter also describes them as a “holy nation,” which indicates that Christians are set apart for God’s service. Holiness here refers not just to moral purity but also to being different from the world in values, conduct, and priorities. Christians are not to conform to the sinful ways of the world but should reflect the character of God in all they do.
Being “God’s own people” further confirms that Christians belong to God. They are no longer strangers or outsiders but are now His possession. This relationship brings great privilege but also a responsibility to live according to God’s standards. Peter exhorts believers to proclaim the excellencies of God who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. Their lives should shine as testimonies of God’s transformative power.
He also urges them to abstain from fleshly desires that wage war against the soul and to maintain good conduct among non-believers. In doing so, they would silence the ignorance of foolish people and glorify God. Christians are to live with humility, respect for authority, love for one another, and a pure heart.
Peter’s message is clear, Christians must remember who they are in Christ and reflect that identity through their behavior, love, and witness to the world.
(8b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Studying and meditating on the Word of God regularly
(ii) Praying constantly for strength and guidance
(iii) Fellowshipping with other believers for encouragement and accountability
(iv) Avoiding environments and associations that promote sinful behavior
(v) Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome fleshly desires
(9a)
(PICK ANY ONE)
In his epistle, James warns Christians against showing partiality or favoritism, especially in their gatherings. He observed that some believers were giving special treatment to the rich, offering them the best seats while looking down on the poor. James strongly condemned this behavior, calling it inconsistent with the faith in Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
He explained that favoritism is a form of discrimination and a sin against the royal law, which states: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” James emphasized that if they showed partiality, they were committing sin and were convicted by the law as transgressors.
It was in this context that James declared that whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point is guilty of breaking all of it. He explained that the same God who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not kill.” Therefore, even if someone does not commit adultery but commits murder, the person is still a lawbreaker.
James urged believers to speak and act as those who would be judged by the law of liberty. He reminded them that judgment would be without mercy for those who have shown no mercy. He concluded that mercy triumphs over judgment.
Through this teaching, James stressed the importance of consistent obedience to God’s commandments and the need to treat all people equally, regardless of status or wealth.
OR
James taught Christians that showing partiality, especially in favor of the rich over the poor, is a serious offense against the Christian faith. He observed that in Christian gatherings, some people gave more honor to the rich by offering them special seats while neglecting the poor or treating them with contempt. James warned that this behavior was evil and did not reflect the nature of God’s kingdom.
He reminded believers of the royal law which says: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” According to him, favoritism violates this command and therefore becomes a sin. James pointed out that anyone who shows partiality is a transgressor of the law.
To emphasize his point, James stated that whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point is guilty of breaking all of it. He explained that the law is one body, and the same God who gave one command also gave the others. Therefore, breaking one part of the law is equivalent to breaking the whole law. For instance, a person who does not commit adultery but commits murder is still a lawbreaker.
James urged Christians to live and act as people who will be judged by the law of liberty, which emphasizes love and mercy. He concluded by warning that those who fail to show mercy will also face judgment without mercy. However, mercy triumphs over judgment.
In this teaching, James highlights the unity of God’s law, the need for love and fairness in human relationships, and the danger of selective obedience to God’s commandments.
_________________________
Number 9
(9a)
(PICK ANY ONE)
In his epistle, James warns Christians against showing partiality or favoritism, especially in their gatherings. He observed that some believers were giving special treatment to the rich, offering them the best seats while looking down on the poor. James strongly condemned this behavior, calling it inconsistent with the faith in Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
He explained that favoritism is a form of discrimination and a sin against the royal law, which states: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” James emphasized that if they showed partiality, they were committing sin and were convicted by the law as transgressors.
It was in this context that James declared that whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point is guilty of breaking all of it. He explained that the same God who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not kill.” Therefore, even if someone does not commit adultery but commits murder, the person is still a lawbreaker.
James urged believers to speak and act as those who would be judged by the law of liberty. He reminded them that judgment would be without mercy for those who have shown no mercy. He concluded that mercy triumphs over judgment.
Through this teaching, James stressed the importance of consistent obedience to God’s commandments and the need to treat all people equally, regardless of status or wealth.
OR
James taught Christians that showing partiality, especially in favor of the rich over the poor, is a serious offense against the Christian faith. He observed that in Christian gatherings, some people gave more honor to the rich by offering them special seats while neglecting the poor or treating them with contempt. James warned that this behavior was evil and did not reflect the nature of God’s kingdom.
He reminded believers of the royal law which says: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” According to him, favoritism violates this command and therefore becomes a sin. James pointed out that anyone who shows partiality is a transgressor of the law.
To emphasize his point, James stated that whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point is guilty of breaking all of it. He explained that the law is one body, and the same God who gave one command also gave the others. Therefore, breaking one part of the law is equivalent to breaking the whole law. For instance, a person who does not commit adultery but commits murder is still a lawbreaker.
James urged Christians to live and act as people who will be judged by the law of liberty, which emphasizes love and mercy. He concluded by warning that those who fail to show mercy will also face judgment without mercy. However, mercy triumphs over judgment.
In this teaching, James highlights the unity of God’s law, the need for love and fairness in human relationships, and the danger of selective obedience to God’s commandments.
(9b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Discrimination creates enmity among groups and individuals, leading to tension, conflict, and lack of unity within the society.
(ii) It prevents some people from accessing education, employment, and social services, thereby limiting their contributions to national development.
(iii) When people are judged by ethnicity, gender, or religion rather than ability, their talents and potential are ignored, leading to underutilization of human capital.
(iv) Discrimination breeds unfair treatment and inequality, which can result in resentment, protests, and unrest among marginalized groups.
(v) A society that excludes certain groups cannot experience full development, as it denies itself the benefits of inclusiveness and shared responsibility.
