The JAMB syllabus for Christian Religious Studies is meant for candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. CRS is a subject that tests knowledge of biblical teachings, moral values, historical events, and the ability to apply Christian principles to everyday life. Many students underestimate the subject, assuming it requires only Bible reading, but JAMB expects one to understand the themes, characters, and lessons drawn from the scriptures.
What is the Christian Religious Studies Syllabus
The JAMB Christian Religious Studies syllabus is an official outline that defines the scope of biblical knowledge and ethical understanding candidates must acquire before the examination. It covers selected portions of the Old Testament and New Testament, focusing on major themes, events, and personalities that shape Christian beliefs and practices.
The syllabus includes topics such as God’s relationship with humanity, covenant, leadership, obedience, faith, justice, love, forgiveness, and salvation. Candidates are expected to understand stories from books like Genesis, Exodus, the historical books, the prophets, the Gospels, and the Acts of the Apostles. The teachings of Jesus Christ, especially through parables and sermons, form a central part of the syllabus.
JAMB Syllabus for Christian Religious Studies Contents
The syllabus is divided into four sections, namely:
- SECTION A: Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom
- SECTION B: Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from exile and the prophets
- SECTION C: Themes from the four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
- SECTION D: Themes from selected Epistles
| S/N | TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SECTION A: Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom The Sovereignty of God 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) The Covenant (a) The flood and God’s covenant with Noah (Gen. 6:1-22; 7:1-24; 9:1-17) (b) God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 11:31-32; 12:1-9; 17:1-21; 21:1-13; 25:19-26) (c) God’s covenant with Israel (Ex. 19; 20; 24:1-11) cf. Deut. 28:1-19 (d) The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek 36:25-28) Leadership Qualities Examples of (a) Joseph (Gen. 37:1-28; 41:1-57; 45:1-15) (b) Moses (Ex. 1; 2; 3; 4:1-17; 5; 12; Num. 13:1-20; 14:1-19) (c) Joshua (Num. 13:21-33; 27:15-23; Josh. 1:1-15; 6; 7; 24:1-31) (d) Judges (Deborah – Judges. 4:1-24; Gideon: Judges 6:11-40; Samson: Judges 13:1-7, 21-25; 16:4-31) | Candidates should be able to: i. define the term ‘sovereignty’; ii. analyse God’s process of creation; iii. interpret the sequence of creation; iv. identify man’s role in advancing God’s purpose in creation. |
| 2 | SECTION B: Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the Prophets Greed and its effects Examples of (a) Ahab (I Kings 21:1-29; 22:1-40; II Kings 9:30-37) (b) Gehazi (II Kings 5:1-27 cf ( Josh 7) The Supremacy of God Religious tension and the power of God on Mount Carmel (I Kings 16:29-34; 17:1-7; 18; 19:1-18) Religious reforms in Judah (a) Cleansing of the Temple (II Kings 22) (b) Renewal of the Covenant (II Kings 23:1- 30) | Candidates should be able to: i. deduce the meaning of greed; ii. distinguish between Ahab and Gehazi’s greed; iii. analyse the consequences of Ahab and Gehazi’s greed. Candidates should be able to: i. assess the religious situation in Israel at the time of Elijah and Ahab; ii. identify the characters involved in the contest on Mount Carmel; iii. differentiate between God’s power and that of Baal. Candidates should be able to: i. analyse Josiah’s religious reforms; ii. determine the reasons for the renewal of the covenant; iii. assess the significance of the reforms |
| 3 | SECTION C: Themes from the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles The birth and early life of Jesus (a) 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; 22-36) (b) The birth and boyhood of Jesus (Mt. 1:18- 25; 2; Lk. 1:26-45;2 ) The baptism and temptation of Jesus (Mt. 3:13-17; 4:1-11; Mk. 1:9-13; Lk. 3:21-22; 4:1-13) | Candidates should be able to: i. compare the stories of the births of John and Jesus; ii. assess the importance of John as the forerunner of Jesus; iii. describe the boyhood of Jesus. Candidates should be able to: i. determine the meaning and purpose of the baptism of Jesus ii. enumerate the temptations of Jesus; iii. examine the significance of the temptations of Jesus. |
| 4 | SECTION D: Themes from Selected Epistles Justification by Faith (Rom. 3:21-24; 5:1-11; 10:1-13; Gal 2:16-21) The Law and Grace (Rom. 4:13-25; 5:18-21; Gal. 3:10-14; 19-29; Rom 3:24) New life in Christ (Rom. 6:1-4; 12-14; Col. 3:1-17; Gals. 5:16-26; II Cor. 5:16-19; I Thess. 4:1-8; Rom. 12) | Candidates should be able to: (i) interpret the phrase ‘justification by faith’; (ii) identify the basic conditions for justification; (iii) determine the fruits of justification. Candidates should be able to: (i) examine the purpose and significance of the law and grace; (ii) identify the place of the Law among the Jews. Candidates should be able to: (i) describe the characteristics of the old life; (ii) analyse the new life in Christ; (iii) identify the conditions of the new life; (iv) examine the benefits of the new life. |
Download Christian Religious Studies JAMB Syllabus 2026/2027
Click on the button below to download the official JAMB syllabus for Christian Religious Studies 2026:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the JAMB CRS syllabus change every year
A: The main content remains stable, although slight adjustments may be made to improve clarity or emphasis on certain themes.
Q: Is Bible memorisation enough to pass CRS
A: No. Understanding the context, themes, and lessons of biblical passages is more important than memorising verses alone.
Q: Which parts of the Bible are most important for JAMB CRS
A: Both the Old Testament and New Testament are important, with strong emphasis on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Q: Are moral lessons tested in the examination
A: Yes. Many questions focus on the moral and social implications of biblical teachings.
Q: Do I need a special Bible translation for CRS
A: No. Any standard Bible translation is acceptable, as questions are based on meaning rather than exact wording.
Q: Can I rely only on past questions to prepare
A: Past questions are helpful, but studying the syllabus ensures full coverage of all required themes and scriptures.
Q: Is CRS suitable for science students
A: Yes. CRS is open to all candidates, regardless of academic background, as long as they study the syllabus thoroughly.
Q: How long does it take to complete the CRS syllabus
A: With consistent study, most candidates can complete the syllabus within four to six weeks, leaving time for revision.
Leave a Comment