UTME syllabus
JAMB Christian Religious Studies (CRS) syllabus
Every topic JAMB can set Christian Religious Studies (CRS) questions on, with what you should be able to do for each. Open a topic to see its contents and objectives.
Download the Christian Religious Studies (CRS) syllabus (PDF)
What the syllabus aims to do
It prepares candidates to:
- acquire the knowledge and understanding of the tenets of the Christian faith as contained in the Bible
- interpret biblical teachings and themes
- apply biblical teachings and tenets to life in society
- evaluate the level of application of biblical teachings and tenets to life in society
Section A: Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom
The Sovereignty of God
Contents
- God as Creator and Controller of the Universe (Gen. 1 and 2) cf. Amos 9:5-6; Is. 45:5-12; Ps. 19:1-6; Jer. 18:1-16; Rom. 8:28
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- define the term ‘sovereignty’
- analyse God’s process of creation
- interpret the sequence of creation
- identify man’s role in advancing God’s purpose in creation
- recognize the sovereignty of God in the affairs of man and nations
The Covenant
Contents
- The flood and God’s covenant with Noah (Gen. 6:1-22; 7:1-24; 9:1-17)
- God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 11:31-32; 12:1-9; 17:1-21; 21:1-13; 25:19-26)
- God’s covenant with Israel (Ex. 19; 20; 24:1-11) cf. Deut. 28:1-19
- The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:25-28)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- explain the concept of covenant
- examine the importance and implication of the covenants
- distinguish between God’s covenants with Noah, Abraham and Israel
- Distinguish between the old and the new covenants
Leadership Qualities
Contents
- Examples of
- Joseph (Gen. 37:1-28; 41:1-57; 45:1-15)
- Moses (Ex. 1; 2; 3; 4:1-17; 5; 12; Num. 13:1-20; 14:1-19)
- Joshua (Num. 13:21-33; 27:15-23; Josh. 1:1-15; 6; 7; 24:1-31)
- Judges (Deborah - Judges 4:1-24; Gideon: Judges 6:11-40; Samson: Judges 13:1-7, 21-25; 16:4-31)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- examine the circumstances that gave rise to the leadership of Joseph, Moses, Joshua and the Judges
- identify the major talents of these leaders
- assess God’s role in the works of these leaders
- analyse the achievements of these leaders
Divine Providence, Guidance and Protection
Contents
- Guidance (Ex. 13:17-22; Josh. 8:1-22; Heb 1:1; Matt. 11:27-30)
- Protection (Ex. 14:10-31; Dan 6:16-23; Ps. 91)
- Provision (Ex. 16:1-21; 17:1-7; 13:20-22; 1Kgs 17:1-16; Num. 20:1-13)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- identify the different ways by which God guided and protected the people of Israel
- specify how God provided for His people
- identify the different occasions when God provided for Israel
- recognize that God still provides for people today
Parental Responsibility
Contents
- Examples of
- Eli and Samuel (1 Sam. 2:11-36; 3:2-18; 4:10-22; 8:15)
- David (II Sam. 13; 15:1-29; 18; 19:1-8)
- Asa (1 Kings 15:9-15; 22:41-44; cf. Deut. 6:4-9; Prov. 4:1-10; 13:1; 24; 22:6; 23:13-14; 31:10-31)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- determine the extent to which Eli, Samuel and David were responsible for the short-comings of their children
- describe how Asa pleased God
Obedience and Disobedience
Contents
- Obedience and Rewards: Examples of
- Abraham (Gen. 22:1-19)
- Three Hebrew Youths (Dan. 3:1-30)
- David (1 Sam. 30:1-20)
- Disobedience and Consequences: Examples of
- Adam (Gen. 2:15-25; 3)
- Collection of Manna (Ex. 16:22-30)
- The Golden Calf (Ex. 32)
- Moses (Num. 20:7-12; Deut. 34:1-6)
- Saul (1 Sam. 10:1-16; 15:1-25; 16:14-23; 31:1-13)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- determine why Abraham, the Three Hebrew Youths and David obeyed God
- identify the rewards for obedience
- compare the disobedience of Adam, the people of Israel, Moses and Saul
- indicate the reasons for their disobedience
- identify the consequences of disobedience
A man after God’s own heart
Contents
- The early life of David (1 Sam. 16:1-13; 17; 18:17-30; 22:1-5; 24:1-23; II Sam. 2:1-7; 3:1-39)
- David’s submission to the will of God (I Sam. 26:1-25; II Sam 12:15-25)
- David’s repentance and forgiveness (II Sam. 11; 12:1-15, cf. Ps. 51:1-19)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- identify David’s anointing experience
- specify how David submitted to the will of God
- examine the situations that led to David’s sin and repentance
- identify the consequences of David’s sin
- identify why God forgave David
Decision - Making
Contents
- Reliance on a medium (I Sam. 28:3-25)
- The wisdom of Solomon (I Kings 3:3-28; 4:29-34; 5:1-12; 8:1-53)
- Unwise policies of Solomon and Rehoboam (I Kings 9:15-23; 11:1-40; 12:1-20)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- identify the source of Solomon’s wisdom
- compare the different ways used by Saul and Solomon in making decisions
- analyse the decisions made by Saul, Solomon and Rehoboam
- assess the consequences of Solomon and Rehoboam’s unwise decisions
Section B: Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the Prophets
Greed and its effects
Contents
- Examples of
- Ahab (I Kings 21:1-29; 22:1-40; II Kings 9:30-37)
- Gehazi (II Kings 5:1-27 cf. Josh 7)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- deduce the meaning of greed
- distinguish between Ahab and Gehazi’s greed
- analyse the consequences of Ahab and Gehazi’s greed
The Supremacy of God
Contents
- Religious tension and the power of God on Mount Carmel (I Kings 16:29-34; 17:1-7; 18; 19:1-18)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- assess the religious situation in Israel at the time of Elijah and Ahab
- identify the characters involved in the contest on Mount Carmel
- differentiate between God’s power and that of Baal
Religious reforms in Judah
Contents
- Cleansing of the Temple (II Kings 22)
- Renewal of the Covenant (II Kings 23:1-30)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- analyse Josiah’s religious reforms
- determine the reasons for the renewal of the covenant
- assess the significance of the reforms
Concern for Judah
Contents
- The fall of Jerusalem (II Kings 24; 25:1-17)
- Condition of Judah (Neh. 1:1-11; Ezra 1:1-11)
- Response to the state of Judah (Neh. 2; 4:1-23; Ezra 3:4; 5; 6; 7)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- identify the reasons for the fall of Jerusalem
- examine the condition of Judah during the exile
- analyse the people’s response to the call of Nehemiah and Ezra to rebuild Jerusalem
- distinguish between Nehemiah and Ezra’s responses to the opposition of their enemies
Faith, Courage and Protection
Contents
- Examples of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Dan. 3:1-30; 6:1-28)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- analyse the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel
- determine the occasions in which the four men demonstrated faith
- analyse the effects of the faith of the four men on the Babylonians
- identify the qualities of faith by four men worthy of emulation
God’s message to Nineveh
Contents
- Jonah and his message (Jonah 1; 2; 3 and 4)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- analyse the story of Jonah’s call
- describe the consequences of Jonah’s disobedience
- assess the effect of Jonah’s message on the Ninevites
- emulate the example of the Ninevites
Social justice, True religion and Divine love
Contents
- Social justice and true religion (Amos 2:6-8; 4; 5:1-25; 6:1-14; 7:10-17; 8:4-14) cf James 1:19-27
- Divine love and human response (Hosea 1; 2; 3; 4; 6:1-11; 14)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- determine what true religion is
- identify the ills that led to the call for social justice in Amos’ time
- identify the punishment meted for evil deeds
- examine the condition in Israel during Hosea’s time
- analyse Hosea’s portrayal of divine love and human response
Holiness and Divine call
Contents
- (Isaiah 6:1-13; Ezek. 2; 3:1-11; Jer. 1:4-10)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- analyze the vision of Isaiah on God’s holiness
- distinguish the calls of Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah
- compare the assignments given to these prophets
- determine the need for God’s people to be holy
Punishment and Hope
Contents
- (Jer. 3:11-18; 32:26-35; Ezek. 18; 37:1-14; Isaiah 61; Jer. 4:5-8)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- describe the situations that led to the punishment of Israel
- identify the conditions for hope
- determine the benefits of restoration
Section C: Themes from the four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
The birth and early life of Jesus
Contents
- John, the forerunner of Jesus (Lk. 1:5-25; 57-66; 3:1-20; 7:18-35; Mk. 1:1-8; 6:14-29; Mt. 3:1-12; Matt. 11:2-19; Jn. 1:6-8; 19-37; 3:22-36)
- The birth and boyhood of Jesus (Mt. 1:18-25; 2; Lk. 1:26-45; 2)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- compare the stories of the births of John and Jesus
- assess the importance of John as the forerunner of Jesus
- describe the boyhood of Jesus
The baptism and temptation of Jesus
Contents
- (Mt. 3:13-17; 4:1-11; Mk. 1:9-13; Lk. 3:21-22; 4:1-13)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- determine the meaning and purpose of the baptism of Jesus
- enumerate the temptations of Jesus
- examine the significance of the temptations of Jesus
- describe how Jesus overcame the temptations
Discipleship
Contents
- The call of the first disciples (Mt. 4:18-22; 9:9-13; Mk. 1:16-20; 2:13-17; Lk. 5:1-11; 27-32)
- The demands of discipleship (Mt. 8:19-22; Lk. 9:57-63; 14:25-33)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- identify the first disciples to be called by Jesus
- determine the demands of discipleship
Miracles
Contents
- Nature miracles
- Stilling the storm (Mt. 8:23-27; Mk. 4:35-41; Lk.8:22-25)
- Feeding of the five thousand (Mt. 14:13-24; Mk. 6:30-44; Lk. 9:10-17; Jn. 6:1-13)
- Walking on the sea (Mt. 14:22-26; Mk. 6:45-52; Jn. 6:16-21)
- Changing water to wine (Jn. 2:1-11)
- Miracles of resuscitation
- The raising of Lazarus (Jn. 11:1-45)
- The raising of Jairus’ daughter (Lk. 8:41-42, 49-56; Mk. 5:21-43)
- The raising of the widow’s son at Nain (Lk. 7:11-17)
- Healing miracles
- The lepers (Mt. 8:1-4; Mk. 1:40-45; Lk. 5:12-16; 17:11-19)
- The paralytic at the pool (Jn. 5:1-17)
- The centurion’s servant (Mt. 8:5-13; Lk. 7:1-10)
- The blind (Jn. 9:1-12; Mk. 10:46-52; Lk. 18:35-43)
- Exorcism
- The Gerasene (Gadarene) demoniac (Mt. 8:28-34; Mk. 5:1-20; Lk. 8:26-39)
- The epileptic boy (Mk. 9:14-29; Lk. 9:37-43a; Mt. 17:14-21)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- classify the different miracles of Jesus
- indicate the occasion of each of the miracles
- examine the significance of each of the miracles
The Parables
Contents
- Parables of the kingdom
- The sower (Mt. 13:1-23; Mk. 4:1-20)
- The weeds (Mt. 13:24-30; 36-43)
- The drag-net (Mt. 13:47-50)
- The wedding garment (Matt. 22:1-14)
- Parables about love of God (Mt. 18:12-14; Lk. 15:1-32)
- Parables about love for one another (Lk.10:25-37; 16:19-31)
- Parable about wealth: The rich fool (Lk. 12:13-21)
- Parables on prayer (Lk. 18:2-14)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- define a parable
- classify the different parables of Jesus
- identify the occasion of each parable
- interpret the meaning of each parable
- give reasons why Jesus taught in parables
Sermon on the Mount
Contents
- (Mt. 5; 6; Lk. 6:17-26)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- analyse the teachings on the Mount
- identify the demands of the Kingdom
- determine the consequences of placing worldly possessions above heavenly treasures
- associate the rewards for obedience with the Sermon on the Mount
Mission of the disciples
Contents
- The mission of the twelve (Mt. 10:5-15; Mk. 6:7-13; Lk. 9:1-16)
- The mission of the seventy (Lk. 10:1-24)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- distinguish between the mission of the twelve and the seventy
- specify the instructions to the disciples
- assess the outcomes of the missions
The Great Confession
Contents
- (Mt. 16:13-20; Mk. 8:27-30; Lk. 9:18-22)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- analyse the confession by Peter
- identify the occasion of the Great Confession
- examine the significance of the Great Confession
The Transfiguration
Contents
- (Mt. 17:1-13; Mk. 9:2-13; Lk. 9:28-36)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- trace the events leading to the Transfiguration
- identify the personalities involved in the Transfiguration account
- determine the significance of the Transfiguration to the disciples
The Triumphal Entry and the cleansing of the Temple
Contents
- (Mt. 21:1-17; Mk. 11:1-19; Lk. 19:29-48)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- recount the Triumphal Entry and the cleansing of the Temple
- determine the significance of the Triumphal Entry and the cleansing of the Temple
- examine how the cleansing of the Temple caused hostility towards Jesus
The Last Supper
Contents
- (Mt. 26:17-30; Mk. 14:10-26; Lk. 22:7-23; Jn. 13:2-38)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- trace the story of the Last Supper
- evaluate the significance of the Last Supper
The trials and the death of Jesus
Contents
- The trials of Jesus before
- the High Priest (Mt. 26:36-75; Mk. 14:53-72; Lk. 22:66-71)
- Pilate (Mt. 27:11-26; Mk. 15:1-15; Lk. 23:1-5; 13-25; Jn. 18:28-40; 19:1-16)
- Herod (Lk. 23:6-12)
- Crucifixion and burial of Jesus (Mt. 27:32-66; Lk. 23:26-56; Mk. 15:16-47; Jn. 19:17-42)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- analyse the different trials of Jesus
- describe the crucifixion and burial of Jesus
- deduce the lessons of the death of Jesus
- recount the statements of Jesus on the cross
Resurrection, appearances and ascension of Jesus
Contents
- (Mt. 28:1-20; Mk. 16:1-20; Lk. 24:1-53; Jn. 20:1-31; Acts 1:1-11)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- trace the stories of the resurrection, appearances and ascension of Jesus
- compare the personalities involved in the stories
- analyse the relevance of the resurrection, appearances and ascension of Jesus
Jesus’ teachings about Himself
Contents
- The Bread of Life and the Living Water (Jn. 4:7-15; 6:25-58)
- The Light of the World (Jn. 1:4-8; 3:19-21; 8:12; 9:1-5; 12:35-36; 1 Jn. 1:5-7)
- The Door, the Lamb and the Good Shepherd (Jn. 1:29-34; 10:1-18)
- The True Vine (Jn. 15:1-11)
- The Resurrection (Jn.11:25)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- analyse the different teachings of Jesus about Himself
- deduce the reasons for Jesus’ teachings about Himself
- interpret the meanings of the symbols used by Jesus about Himself
Love
Contents
- God’s love for man (Jn. 3:16-18)
- Love for one another (Jn. 13:34-35; 15:12-13; 1 Cor. 13; cf. I Jn. 4:7-21)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- describe God’s love for man
- identify various types of love
- specify the ways they can love one another
- evaluate the significance of love
Fellowship in the Early Church
Contents
- Communal living (Acts 1:15-26; 2:41-47; 4:32-37)
- Problems of communal living and solutions (Acts 5:1-11; 6:1-6)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- identify the reasons for communal living in the Early Church
- identify the problems of communal living and their solutions
- examine how communal living helped the growth of the Early Church
The Holy Spirit and the mission of the Church
Contents
- The Pentecost (Acts 1:8; 2:1-41)
- The mission of the Church (Acts 8:4-40)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- trace the story of the Pentecost
- identify the signs associated with the coming of the Holy Spirit
- examine the significance of the Pentecost experience
- analyse the mission of the Church
Opposition to the Gospel message
Contents
- The arrest and imprisonment of Peter and John (Acts 3; 4:1-22; 5:17-42; 12:1-24)
- The martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6:8-15; 7)
- Persecution by Saul (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2 cf. Gal. 1:11-17)
- Persecution of Paul (Acts 16:11-40; 19:23-41; 21:27-36 cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-33)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- trace the story of the arrest and imprisonment of Peter and John
- trace the events that led to the martyrdom of Stephen
- describe the role of Saul in the persecution of the Church
- evaluate the importance of persecution to the growth of the Church
- account for the persecution of Paul
Mission to the Gentiles
Contents
- Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-30; 22:4-21; 26:9-18)
- Conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48)
- The commissioning and mission of Paul (Acts 13; 14:1-20)
- The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35; Gal. 2:1-21)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- compare the conversions of Saul and Cornelius
- analyse the commissioning and mission of Paul
- examine the main decisions at the Council of Jerusalem
- identify the personalities involved at the Council of Jerusalem
- examine the relevance of the main decisions at the Council of Jerusalem
- assess Paul’s role in the mission to the Gentiles
Section D: Themes from selected Epistles
Justification by Faith
Contents
- (Rom. 3:21-24; 5:1-11; 10:1-13; Gal. 2:16-21)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- interpret the phrase ‘justification by faith’
- identify the basic conditions for justification
- determine the fruits of justification
The Law and Grace
Contents
- (Rom. 4:13-25; 5:18-21; Gal. 3:10-14; 19-29; Rom. 3:24)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- examine the purpose and significance of the law and grace
- identify the place of the Law among the Jews
New life in Christ
Contents
- (Rom. 6:1-4; 12-14; Col. 3:1-17; Gal. 5:16-26; II Cor. 5:16-19; I Thess. 4:1-8; Rom. 12)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- describe the characteristics of the old life
- analyse the new life in Christ
- identify the conditions of the new life
- examine the benefits of the new life
Christians as joint heirs with Christ
Contents
- (Gal. 3:23-29; 4:1-7)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- describe how Christians are joint heirs with Christ
- recognize that males and females are all children of God
- indicate the benefits of being joint heirs with Christ
Humility
Contents
- (Phil. 2:1-11; I Pet. 5:5-11) (James 4:10; Matt. 23:12)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- determine the meaning of humility
- identify the requirements of humility
- identify the rewards of humility
Forgiveness
Contents
- (Philemon; II Cor. 2:5-11; Matt. 6:14-15)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- analyse Paul’s teaching on forgiveness
- assess the benefits of forgiveness
- recognize the need to forgive others
Spiritual gifts
Contents
- (I Cor. 12; Rom. 12:3-18; I Cor. 14)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- identify the different spiritual gifts
- analyse the benefits of spiritual gifts to the individual and the church
- differentiate between spiritual gifts and talents
Christian Giving
Contents
- (Phil. 4:14-20; II Cor. 8:1-5; 9 Cf. Matt 6:2-4)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- interpret the concept of Christian giving
- relate the teachings of Paul on Christian giving
- identify the importance of Christian giving
Civic responsibility
Contents
- (Rom. 13; I Tim. 2:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13-17)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- identify the need for obedience to authority
- specify the requirements of good citizenship
Dignity of labour
Contents
- (Matt. 20:1-16; II Thess. 3:6-15; Col. 3:23-25)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- interpret the concept of dignity of labour
- analyse the benefits of labour
- recognize that no particular kind of work leads to loss of respect for personal dignity
The second coming of Christ
Contents
- The signs of the Coming of Christ (1 Thess. 4:13-18; II Thess. 2:1-12)
- Preparation for His coming (Matt. 25:31-46; I Thess. 5:1-11; II Pet. 3:1-13)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- identify the signs of the Second Coming of Christ
- specify the preparations for His coming
- indicate what will happen during His Second Coming
- examine the importance of His coming
Impartiality
Contents
- (James 2:1-13 cf. Acts 10:34-35; Matt 7:1-5; Luke 6:31)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- interpret the concept of impartiality
- identify causes of partiality
- examine the consequences of partiality
Effective prayer
Contents
- (James 1:2-8; 4:1-3; 5:13-18 cf. Matt 6:5-13)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- identify the requirements of effective prayer
- distinguish between effective and ineffective prayer
- identify the importance of prayer
- identify types of prayer
Christian living in the community
Contents
- Interpersonal relationships among Christians (I Pet. 5:1-4; Rom. 12:3-21; 2 Pet. 1:3-11; Heb.13:1-21)
- Christians living among non-Christians (I Pet. 2:3-25; Rom. 15:1-2)
- Christian attitude to persecution (I Pet. 1:5-9; 4:1-19; 1 Pet. 3:13-22)
- Relationship in the Christian family (Eph. 6: 1-9; Col. 3:18-21; I Pet. 3:1-7)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- determine interpersonal relationships among Christians
- analyse Christian living among non-Christians
- relate Christian attitude to persecution
- determine the relationship in the Christian family
- examine the importance of maintaining good relationships
Corruption
Contents
- (1 Tim 6:6-11; 2 Tim 3:8; 2 Pet. 1:4-11; James 5:1-6)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- define the term corruption
- identify the causes of corruption
- determine the effects and consequences of corruption
- identify ways of curbing corruption
Sexual Immorality
Contents
- Prostitution (1 Cor. 6:16-20 cf. Prov. 7:10-27; 23:27-28)
- Adultery and Fornication (Heb. 13:4, Eph. 5:3-10 cf. Matt 5:28-32; Deut. 22:22; Lev. 20:10)
- Homosexuality (Rom. 1:24-32 cf. Lev.18:21-30; 20:13)
Objectives: candidates should be able to
- identify what constitute sexual immorality
- determine the causes of sexual immorality
- examine the effects and consequences of sexual immorality
- identify ways of curbing sexual immorality
Practise every Christian Religious Studies (CRS) topic
JambCBT sorts its Christian Religious Studies (CRS) past questions by these syllabus topics, so you can practise one topic at a time and see which ones need more work.
2 free practice quizzes. No card needed.