Christian Religious Knowledge 2008 Jamb Examination

In Exodus 24:5, Moses sent young men of the people of Israel who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the LORD. This act was part of the covenant confirmation at Mount Sinai, where the people pledged obedience to God’s commands. The sacrifices signified dedication and reconciliation with God. The blood of the covenant was sprinkled on the altar and the people, representing their binding agreement with the LORD and foreshadowing the greater covenant fulfilled in Christ.

Exodus 13:17 explains that God did not lead the Israelites by the shorter route through the land of the Philistines because He knew they might turn back to Egypt if they faced war. Instead, He led them through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. This decision revealed God’s wisdom and care. Though the longer path was more difficult, it protected Israel from immediate threats and allowed God to demonstrate His mighty power in delivering them.

In Exodus 1:17, the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded. They spared the lives of the Hebrew male children despite Pharaoh’s order to kill them. Their reverence for God outweighed their fear of Pharaoh. As a result, God dealt well with the midwives, blessing them with households of their own. Their courage demonstrates the importance of fearing God above human authority.

In Exodus 3:2–3, Moses saw a bush that was burning but not consumed, and he said, 'I will turn aside and see this great sight.' This extraordinary vision marked the beginning of God’s call to Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt. The burning bush symbolized God’s presence and holiness. Though aflame, it was not destroyed, reflecting God’s sustaining power and the enduring nature of His covenant with His people.

According to 1 Kings 15:11–12 and 2 Chronicles 14:2–3, King Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD by removing idols and cutting down the Asherah poles. He worked to restore true worship in Judah by eliminating foreign altars and pagan practices. Asa’s reforms brought spiritual renewal to his people, showing his commitment to honoring God above the traditions of his fathers. His obedience brought God’s favor during his reign.

In 1 Kings 12:4, after Solomon’s reign, the people complained to Rehoboam that Solomon had placed a heavy yoke on them through forced labour and taxation. This policy, though it enabled great building projects, was considered one of his unwise decisions. The use of forced labour caused resentment and unrest among the people. Ultimately, this contributed to the division of the kingdom after Solomon’s death, highlighting the consequences of oppressive leadership.

In Genesis 2:2–3, God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because He rested from all His work of creation. This rest was not due to fatigue but to set a divine example of completion and sanctification. The seventh day established the principle of the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship. It became a sign of God’s covenant with His people, reminding them of creation and later of redemption.

In Romans 6:4–5, Paul teaches that believers are buried with Christ through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, they too may walk in newness of life. Thus, the new life is compared to Jesus’ resurrection. The resurrection symbolizes victory over sin and death. Just as Christ rose to new life, believers are called to live transformed lives, empowered by the Spirit and freed from the dominion of sin.

In Philippians 4:15–16, Paul commended the Philippian church for their generosity, noting that they were the only church that shared with him in the matter of giving and receiving at the beginning of his ministry. They sent aid more than once while he was in Thessalonica. Their partnership exemplified Christian fellowship and support for gospel work. Paul emphasized that their giving was not only to meet his needs but also as a fragrant offering pleasing to God.

Romans 13:1–2 teaches that believers must submit to governing authorities because there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by Him. Therefore, rulers are representatives of God in their positions of authority. This instruction emphasizes order and obedience as part of Christian living. Disobedience to rightful authority is equated with resisting God’s ordinance, unless the authority contradicts God’s commands.