JAMB Christian Religious Studies Syllabus 2027: Full Topics, Objectives and Recommended Textbooks

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Last updated: October, 2026

Writing Christian Religious Studies in the 2027 UTME? The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) syllabus tells you exactly which themes and Bible passages the examiners can draw from, so you can read with purpose.

This page lists all 52 topics in the official JAMB Christian Religious Studies syllabus, the Bible references for each, the skills you are expected to show, and the textbooks JAMB recommends. You will also find a six-week study plan, sample questions and answers to frequently asked questions.

Many schools and candidates still call this subject Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK). It is the same subject.

Quick Facts

• Exam: Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), computer-based
• Subject: Christian Religious Studies (also called Christian Religious Knowledge, CRK)
• Syllabus sections: 4 (Sections A to D, arranged by Bible period and theme)
• Total topics: 52 main topics (8 in Section A, 9 in Section B, 19 in Section C, 16 in Section D)
• Biggest section: Section C, the four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles (19 topics)
• Bible version: Revised Standard Version (RSV) is the Bible JAMB lists
• Source: Official JAMB syllabus

In This Guide

1. Aim and objectives of the syllabus
2. The four sections at a glance
3. Detailed syllabus (topics, Bible references and what you should be able to do)
4. Recommended textbooks
5. Six-week study plan
6. Sample questions
7. Subject combinations
8. FAQs

Aim and Objectives

The aim of the UTME Christian Religious Studies syllabus is to prepare candidates for the Board’s examination and test how well they have achieved the course objectives. Candidates are expected 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.

The Four Sections at a Glance

• Section A: Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom (8 topics)
• Section B: Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the Prophets (9 topics)
• Section C: Themes from the Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles (19 topics)
• Section D: Themes from Selected Epistles (16 topics)

Detailed Syllabus

Section A: Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom

1. 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
   • You should be able to: define sovereignty, analyse the process and sequence of creation, identify man’s role in advancing God’s purpose, and recognise God’s sovereignty over people and nations.
2. The Covenant
   • 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
   • You should be able to: explain the concept of covenant, examine its importance, distinguish the covenants with Noah, Abraham and Israel, and distinguish the old covenant from the new.
3. Leadership Qualities
   • 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)
   • You should be able to: examine how each leader came to lead, identify their talents, assess God’s role in their work, and analyse their achievements.
4. Divine Providence, Guidance and Protection
   • 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; 1 Kgs 17:1-16; Num. 20:1-13
   • You should be able to: identify how God guided, protected and provided for Israel, and recognise that He still provides today.
5. Parental Responsibility
   • Eli and Samuel: 1 Sam. 2:11-36; 3:2-18; 4:10-22; 8:1-5
   • David: 2 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; 22:6; 23:13-14; 31:10-31
   • You should be able to: determine how far Eli, Samuel and David were responsible for their children’s shortcomings, and describe how Asa pleased God.
6. Obedience and Disobedience
   • Obedience and rewards: Abraham (Gen. 22:1-19), the three Hebrew youths (Dan. 3:1-30), David (1 Sam. 30:1-20)
   • Disobedience and consequences: Adam (Gen. 2:15-25; 3), the 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)
   • You should be able to: say why these figures obeyed or disobeyed God, compare their disobedience, and identify the rewards and consequences.
7. A Man After God’s Own Heart
   • Early life of David: 1 Sam. 16:1-13; 17; 18:17-30; 22:1-5; 24:1-23; 2 Sam. 2:1-7; 3:1-39
   • David’s submission to God’s will: 1 Sam. 26:1-25; 2 Sam. 12:15-25
   • David’s repentance and forgiveness: 2 Sam. 11; 12:1-15; cf. Ps. 51
   • You should be able to: identify David’s anointing, how he submitted to God, what led to his sin and repentance, the consequences of his sin, and why God forgave him.
8. Decision-Making
   • Reliance on a medium: 1 Sam. 28:3-25
   • The wisdom of Solomon: 1 Kings 3:3-28; 4:29-34; 5:1-12; 8:1-53
   • Unwise policies of Solomon and Rehoboam: 1 Kings 9:15-23; 11:1-40; 12:1-20
   • You should be able to: identify the source of Solomon’s wisdom, compare how Saul and Solomon made decisions, and assess the consequences of the unwise decisions of Solomon and Rehoboam.

Section B: Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the Prophets

1. Greed and its Effects
   • Ahab: 1 Kings 21:1-29; 22:1-40; 2 Kings 9:30-37
   • Gehazi: 2 Kings 5:1-27; cf. Josh. 7
   • You should be able to: define greed, distinguish Ahab’s greed from Gehazi’s, and analyse the consequences.
2. The Supremacy of God
   • Religious tension and the power of God on Mount Carmel: 1 Kings 16:29-34; 17:1-7; 18; 19:1-18
   • You should be able to: assess the religious situation in the time of Elijah and Ahab, identify those in the Carmel contest, and differentiate God’s power from Baal’s.
3. Religious Reforms in Judah
   • Cleansing of the Temple: 2 Kings 22
   • Renewal of the covenant: 2 Kings 23:1-30
   • You should be able to: analyse Josiah’s reforms, the reasons for renewing the covenant, and the significance of the reforms.
4. Concern for Judah
   • The fall of Jerusalem: 2 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
   • You should be able to: identify the reasons for the fall of Jerusalem, examine Judah’s condition in exile, analyse the people’s response to Nehemiah and Ezra, and distinguish how Nehemiah and Ezra responded to opposition.
5. Faith, Courage and Protection
   • Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: Dan. 3:1-30; 6:1-28
   • You should be able to: analyse their stories, the occasions they showed faith, the effect on the Babylonians, and the qualities worth emulating.
6. God’s Message to Nineveh
   • Jonah and his message: Jonah 1 to 4
   • You should be able to: analyse Jonah’s call, the results of his disobedience, the effect of his message on the Ninevites, and the example of the Ninevites.
7. Social Justice, True Religion and Divine Love
   • 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
   • You should be able to: determine what true religion is, identify the ills in Amos’ time and their punishment, examine conditions in Hosea’s time, and analyse Hosea’s portrayal of divine love.
8. Holiness and Divine Call
   • Isaiah 6:1-13; Ezek. 2; 3:1-11; Jer. 1:4-10
   • You should be able to: analyse Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness, distinguish the calls of Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah, compare their assignments, and determine why God’s people must be holy.
9. Punishment and Hope
   • Jer. 3:11-18; 32:26-35; Ezek. 18; 37:1-14; Isaiah 61; Jer. 4:5-8
   • You should be able to: describe what led to Israel’s punishment, identify the conditions for hope, and determine the benefits of restoration.

Section C: Themes from the Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles

1. The Birth and Early Life of Jesus
   • 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; 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
   • You should be able to: compare the births of John and Jesus, assess John’s importance as forerunner, and describe the boyhood of Jesus.
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
   • You should be able to: determine the meaning and purpose of the baptism, list the temptations and their significance, and describe how Jesus overcame them.
3. Discipleship
   • 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
   • You should be able to: identify the first disciples called and the demands of discipleship.
4. Miracles
   • Nature miracles: stilling the storm, feeding the five thousand, walking on the sea, changing water to wine
   • Miracles of resuscitation: Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter, the widow’s son at Nain
   • Healing miracles: the lepers, the paralytic at the pool, the centurion’s servant, the blind
   • Exorcism: the Gerasene (Gadarene) demoniac, the epileptic boy
   • You should be able to: classify the miracles, give the occasion of each and examine its significance.
5. The Parables
   • Parables of the kingdom: the sower, the weeds, the drag-net, the wedding garment
   • Parables about the 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
   • You should be able to: define a parable, classify the parables, give the occasion and meaning of each, and say why Jesus taught in parables.
6. Sermon on the Mount
   • Mt. 5; 6; Lk. 6:17-26
   • You should be able to: analyse the teachings, identify the demands of the kingdom, and the consequences of placing worldly possessions above heavenly treasure.
7. Mission of the Disciples
   • 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
   • You should be able to: distinguish the two missions, specify the instructions given and assess the outcomes.
8. The Great Confession
   • Mt. 16:13-20; Mk. 8:27-30; Lk. 9:18-22
9. The Transfiguration
   • Mt. 17:1-13; Mk. 9:2-13; Lk. 9:28-36
   • You should be able to: trace the events leading to it, identify those involved and determine its significance to the disciples.
10. The Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple
    • Mt. 21:1-17; Mk. 11:1-19; Lk. 19:29-48
11. The Last Supper
    • Mt. 26:17-30; Mk. 14:10-26; Lk. 22:7-23; Jn. 13:2-38
12. The Trials and Death of Jesus
    • Trials before the High Priest, Pilate and Herod, then the crucifixion and burial
    • You should be able to: analyse the trials, describe the crucifixion and burial, recount Jesus’ statements on the cross and deduce the lessons of His death.
13. Resurrection, Appearances and Ascension of Jesus
    • Mt. 28:1-20; Mk. 16:1-20; Lk. 24:1-53; Jn. 20:1-31; Acts 1:1-11
14. Jesus’ Teachings About Himself
    • The Bread of Life and the Living Water, the Light of the World, the Door, the Lamb and the Good Shepherd, the True Vine, and the Resurrection (Jn. 4; 6; 8; 9; 10; 11:25; 15)
    • You should be able to: analyse these teachings and interpret the symbols Jesus used.
15. Love
    • God’s love for man: Jn. 3:16-18
    • Love for one another: Jn. 13:34-35; 15:12-13; 1 Cor. 13; cf. 1 Jn. 4:7-21
16. Fellowship in the Early Church
    • 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
17. The Holy Spirit and the Mission of the Church
    • Pentecost: Acts 1:8; 2:1-41
    • The mission of the Church: Acts 8:4-40
18. Opposition to the Gospel Message
    • 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) and persecution of Paul (Acts 16:11-40; 19:23-41; 21:27-36; cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-33)
19. Mission to the Gentiles
    • 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) and the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35; Gal. 2:1-21)
    • You should be able to: compare the conversions of Saul and Cornelius, analyse Paul’s commissioning and mission, and examine the main decisions and personalities at the Council of Jerusalem.

Section D: Themes from Selected Epistles

1. Justification by Faith: Rom. 3:21-24; 5:1-11; 10:1-13; Gal. 2:16-21
2. The Law and Grace: Rom. 4:13-25; 5:18-21; 3:24; Gal. 3:10-14, 19-29
3. New Life in Christ: Rom. 6:1-4, 12-14; 12; Col. 3:1-17; Gal. 5:16-26; 2 Cor. 5:16-19; 1 Thess. 4:1-8
4. Christians as Joint Heirs with Christ: Gal. 3:23-29; 4:1-7
5. Humility: Phil. 2:1-11; 1 Pet. 5:5-11; James 4:10; Matt. 23:12
6. Forgiveness: Philemon; 2 Cor. 2:5-11; Matt. 7:14-15
7. Spiritual Gifts: 1 Cor. 12; 14; Rom. 12:3-18
8. Christian Giving: Phil. 4:14-20; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9; cf. Matt. 6:2-4
9. Civic Responsibility: Rom. 13; 1 Tim. 2:1-4; 1 Pet. 2:13-17
10. Dignity of Labour: Matt. 20:1-16; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; Col. 3:23-25
11. The Second Coming of Christ: signs (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 2:1-12) and preparation (Matt. 25:31-46; 1 Thess. 5:1-11; 2 Pet. 3:1-13)
12. Impartiality: James 2:1-13; cf. Acts 10:34-35; Matt. 7:1-5; Luke 6:31
13. Effective Prayer: James 1:2-8; 4:1-3; 5:13-18; cf. Matt. 6:5-13
14. Christian Living in the Community: interpersonal relationships among Christians (1 Pet. 5:1-4; Rom. 12:3-21; 2 Pet. 1:3-11; Heb. 13:1-21), Christians among non-Christians (1 Pet. 2:3-25; Rom. 15:1-2), attitude to persecution (1 Pet. 1:5-9; 3:13-22; 4:1-19) and relationships in the Christian family (Eph. 6:1-9; Col. 3:18-21; 1 Pet. 3:1-7)
15. Corruption: 1 Tim. 6:6-11; 2 Tim. 3:8; 2 Pet. 1:4-11; James 5:1-6
16. Sexual Immorality: 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) and homosexuality (Rom. 1:24-32; cf. Lev. 18:21-30; 20:13)

You should be able to, across Section D:

• Interpret each concept (justification by faith, grace, humility, forgiveness, impartiality, Christian giving, dignity of labour, and the others).
• Identify the conditions, requirements, benefits, rewards or consequences of each teaching.
• Differentiate spiritual gifts from talents, and effective prayer from ineffective prayer.
• Identify the signs of, and preparations for, the Second Coming.
• Define corruption and sexual immorality, identify their causes and effects, and say how each can be curbed.

Recommended Textbooks

JAMB lists these texts for Christian Religious Studies:

• The Bible: Revised Standard Version (1971). Stonehill Green: Bible Society Publishing House.
• Adetunji, P. G. et al (2000). Exam Focus Christian Religious Knowledge for WASSCE and SSCE. Ibadan: University Press Plc.
• Adeyemo, I. O. et al (1998). Christian Religious Knowledge for Secondary Schools, Books 1 to 3. Ibadan: Onibonoje.
• Adeyinka, A. A. et al (1991). Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1 to 3. Lagos: Longman.
• Adigwe, H. A. et al (2004). Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools. Onitsha: Africana Publishers.
• Aghaeghuna, E. O. N. (1988). Senior Secondary School Christian Religious Knowledge: Themes from Selected Epistles, Vol. 1 to 3. Awka: Jet Publishers.
• Dopamu, A. et al (1990). Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1 to 3. Lagos: Nelson.
• Ilori, J. A. et al (1980). Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1 to 3. Ibadan: Evans.
• Izuchukwu, A. E. et al (1997). Round-Up for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination Christian Religious Knowledge: A Complete Guide. Lagos: Longman.
• Throckmorton, B. H., Jr. (ed.) (1966). Gospel Parallels: A Synopsis of the First Three Gospels. New York: Thomas Nelson.
• Udokporo, L. O., Okemiri, C. O. and Olaomo, Y. A. (2012). Christian Religious Studies for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1 to 3. Sango-Ota: Melrose Books and Publishers Limited.
• Okoli, E. U. and Orovwuje, B. O. (2008). Essential Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools. Lagos: Tonad Publishers Limited.

Six-Week Study Plan

• Week 1: Section A. Read each Bible passage, then write one sentence on its lesson.
• Week 2: Section B. Study the kings, the prophets and the return from exile.
• Week 3: Section C, topics 1 to 10 (from the birth of Jesus to the Triumphal Entry).
• Week 4: Section C, topics 11 to 19 (from the Last Supper to the mission to the Gentiles).
• Week 5: Section D. Learn each theme with its key passages and lessons.
• Week 6: Revise weak topics and practise past questions under timed conditions.

Tips:

• Section C is the biggest section, so give it the most time.
• Read the actual Bible passages listed. Questions often test what happened in a passage, not only its lesson.
• For each topic, learn who was involved, what happened, the lesson and the consequences. These match the syllabus objectives.
• Make comparison tables: Noah, Abraham and Israel covenants; Saul and Solomon as decision-makers; the mission of the twelve and the seventy; the conversions of Saul and Cornelius.
• Use the syllabus objectives as a checklist. If you cannot do what an objective says, you are not ready on that topic.

Sample Questions

1. The sign of God’s covenant with Noah after the flood was A. a rainbow B. circumcision C. the ark D. the Sabbath Answer: A
2. Who was the forerunner of Jesus? A. Peter B. John the Baptist C. Andrew D. Philip Answer: B
3. Which of the following is a parable of the kingdom? A. The Good Samaritan B. The Sower C. The Rich Fool D. The Lost Sheep Answer: B
4. The Council of Jerusalem mainly discussed whether Gentile converts should A. be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses B. live in communal fashion C. be baptised twice D. leave their jobs Answer: A
5. Which judge asked God for a sign using a fleece? A. Deborah B. Gideon C. Samson D. Joshua Answer: B

Subject Combinations

Christian Religious Studies is commonly required for courses such as Christian Religious Studies, Religious Studies, Theology, and some Arts and Education courses. Always check your chosen course and university in the JAMB brochure for the exact combination.

Related: JAMB Subject Combination for Arts Students | JAMB Brochure | JAMB Recommended Textbooks for All Subjects | JAMB UTME Registration Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the JAMB Christian Religious Studies syllabus?

It is the official JAMB document that lists the themes, Bible passages and learning objectives candidates must cover for Christian Religious Studies in the UTME.

Is Christian Religious Studies the same as CRK?

Yes. JAMB calls the subject Christian Religious Studies, while many schools and textbooks call it Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK).

How many sections are in the JAMB Christian Religious Studies syllabus?

Four: Creation to the Division of the Kingdom, the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the Prophets, the four Gospels and Acts, and Selected Epistles.

Which section has the most topics?

Section C, with 19 topics from the birth of Jesus to the mission to the Gentiles.

Which Bible version should I read?

The syllabus lists the Revised Standard Version (RSV). Reading from it helps you match the wording of the passages.

Where can I get past questions for Christian Religious Studies? Click here

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