The Apostles' Creed: A Timeless Confession of Faith

At the center of Christian worship is a powerful statement that has endured the test of time: the Apostles' Creed. Rooted deeply in the tradition of historic, biblical Christianity, this ancient confession of faith has guided believers through centuries of personal devotion and theological study.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died,
and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

Amen.

The Creed as Summary & Rule

Having read the Creed, we can briefly explore its history and use.

The Apostles' Creed started in the early church around the second century AD, based on the teachings and traditions of the twelve apostles. While the apostles themselves didn't write it, the Creed summarizes their essential doctrines and was first called the "Rule of Faith."

The Creed was a discipleship tool, a way for early Christians to remember and share the essential beliefs of their faith. It was often used during baptism to publicly show commitment to the Christian community. The Creed also helped keep the church's teachings orthodox and prevented heresy, making sure everyone stayed loyal to Jesus's message and biblical teaching.

Why the Creed Matters Today

Have you ever struggled to articulate your Christian faith when asked, "What do you believe?" The Apostles' Creed reflects the lasting impact of early Christianity. By stating "I believe" at its start, the Creed serves as a personal affirmation of faith. However, it also challenges the modern emphasis on free, personal expression. In baptism and allegiance to King Jesus, we don't craft our own unique statement of faith. Instead, we unite our individual belief with the historic body of Christ. As Ben Meyers says, "In confessing the faith of the church, I allow my own individual 'I' to become part of the of 'I' of the body of Christ." ¹ 

As we learn the Apostles' Creed together, consider why it is important and beneficial in our church's life.

1. The Creed promotes clarity and unity: The Creed helps us see things clearly and stay united. By agreeing on these key statements of faith, people from different Christian backgrounds can come together and focus on what is most important in Christianity.
2. The Creed connects us to a living faith: Believing and reciting the Creed connects twenty-first century Christians with the first century Church, enriching our understanding of the faith and reinforcing our place within Christ's body.
3. The Creed summarizes Christian belief: The Creed serves as a concise summary of essential Christian beliefs based on Scripture, our primary source of faith. It does not replace or overshadow the Bible but equips us to understand and remember its teachings and guide our interpretations.
4. The Creed provides discipleship: Learning, memorizing, and reciting the Creed in worship serves as a tool for discipleship, deepening our understanding of the faith, and serving as a touchstone for making disciples.

Studying and reflecting on the Apostles' Creed will deepen your understanding of the Triune God and help you grow closer to him, so you can confidently say, "I believe the Creed" when asked about your beliefs.

* The word catholic literally means "universal," as in "the universal church.”
¹ Ben Meyers, The Apostles' Creed: A Guide to the Ancient Catechism.