The Apostles’ Creed is an excellent tool for avoiding heresy.
Regrettably, not all churches use the Apostles’ Creed. Throughout my Christian life, I’ve attended non-denominational churches that lean Charismatic. All but one ignored the Creeds.
The Apostles’ Creed is one of the most revered and foundational statements of faith in Christianity. For centuries, it has served as a summary of core Christian beliefs, guiding private devotion and public worship. This article will explore its historical roots, connect its tenets to Scripture, and discuss its enduring significance in the Christian faith.
Historical Introduction
The Apostles’ Creed traces its origins to the early church, though the Apostles do not directly author it. The name reflects the belief that the creed faithfully summarizes the Apostles’ teachings. Early forms of the creed were used as baptismal confessions in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, evolving into the more standardized version we recognize today by the 6th or 7th century.
Its development was influenced by the need for a concise doctrinal statement that could counter heresies such as Gnosticism, which denied the physical incarnation of Jesus Christ. By outlining core Christian beliefs clearly and universally, the Apostles’ Creed became a unifying declaration for believers across different regions and cultures.
Biblical Foundation of the Creed
The Apostles’ Creed is structured as a Trinitarian statement of faith, affirming belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each line of the creed is deeply rooted in biblical teaching.
Let’s take a brief peek at each line.
1. “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.”
This opening statement affirms God as the sovereign Creator and sustainer of all things.
- Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
- Isaiah 44:24 – “I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself.”
- Matthew 6:9 – Jesus teaches believers to pray to “Our Father in heaven,” emphasizing the relational aspect of God as Father.
2. “And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.”
The creed centers on Jesus Christ as the unique Son of God and Lord over all creation:
- John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son.”
- Philippians 2:11 – “And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Reiterating and reaffirming the Lordship of Christ is essential for growth.
3. “Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary.”
The incarnation is foundational to the Christian faith, highlighting Jesus’ divine and human natures:
- Matthew 1:20 – The angel tells Joseph, “That which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
- Luke 1:35 – The angel Gabriel tells Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
All of the components of the Apostles’ Creed reinforce our faith and reiterate the authenticity of Truth.
4. “Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.”
This statement anchors Jesus’ suffering and death in historical reality:
- Matthew 27:26-50 – The Gospel details Jesus’ trial under Pontius Pilate and His crucifixion.
- Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities.”
This is vital as it points to a specific point in history.
5. “He descended to the dead. On the third day, He rose again.”
Jesus’ victory over death is central to Christian hope:
- 1 Peter 3:18-19 – Suggests Jesus proclaimed victory to spirits in prison, interpreted as His descent to the dead.
- 1 Corinthians 15:4 – “He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”
I love the remake of the song Creed by Third Day!
I believe that He who suffered
Was crucified, buried, and dead
He descended into hell and
On the third day, He rose again
He ascended into Heaven
Where He sits at God’s mighty right hand
And I believe that He’s returning
To judge the quick and the dead and the sons of men
6. “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.”
The ascension signifies Jesus’ exaltation and ongoing reign:
- Acts 1:9-11 – Jesus is taken up into heaven as His disciples watch.
- Hebrews 1:3 – “He is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
This reaffirms the authority of Christ.
7. “He will come again to judge the living and the dead.”
This affirms the certainty of Christ’s return and final judgment:
- Matthew 25:31-46 – Jesus describes His return to judge the nations.
- 2 Timothy 4:1 – “Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead.”
8. “I believe in the Holy Spirit.”
The creed acknowledges the third Person of the Trinity:
- John 14:26 – Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as Helper and Teacher.
- Acts 2:4 – The Holy Spirit empowers believers at Pentecost.
Challenging the doctrine of the Trinity is common. That’s one of the key reasons why it is prominent in the Creeds.
Sadly, many preachers gloss over the subject and avoid teaching this rich Christian doctrine.
9. “The holy catholic Church, the communion of saints.”
This points to the universal church and the fellowship of believers:
- Ephesians 4:4-6 – “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
- Hebrews 12:1 – “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.”
Evangelicals often get their knickers in a knot of the phrase “The Holy Catholic Church.” Settle down, Simon. Catholic means “through the whole” or universal. It’s not an affirmation of the Roman Catholic Church.
10. “The forgiveness of sins.”
Forgiveness is a cornerstone of the Gospel:
- Ephesians 1:7 – “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
- 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.”
11. “The resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.”
Christian hope culminates in the resurrection and eternal life:
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 – The resurrection body is described as imperishable and glorious.
- John 11:25 – Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
The Apostle Paul claimed that if there were no resurrection, then our faith would be useless.
The Importance of the Apostles’ Creed
1. A Foundation of Unity
The Apostles’ Creed unites believers across denominations and generations. Its simplicity and clarity provide a common language for expressing faith, transcending cultural and theological differences.
2. A Tool for Catechesis
It succinctly conveys the essentials of the Christian faith, serving as a starting point for deeper study.
I highly recommend that student ministries use the Apostles’ Creed. Eating cookies and playing for an hour is fun but won’t equip students to contend for the faith.
3. A Shield Against Heresy
The creed safeguarded the early church against false teachings. Even today, it remains a benchmark for orthodox Christian belief, enabling believers to discern truth from error.
Leveraging the Apostles’ Creed would prevent theological errors in families and in the church.
4. A Framework for Worship
Christians recite the Apostles’ Creed during worship. The Apostles’ Creed is a solid reminder that the Church is global. This act of confession not only reinforces individual belief but also connects believers to the broader body of Christ.
Charismatic and Evangelical churches should regularly implement the recital of the Apostles’ or Nicene Creed.
Knowing why we believe what we believe is vital to our spiritual health. Many Christians mindlessly parrot whatever the preacher tells them. Be a good Berean and search the scripture!
5. A Source of Personal Devotion
For many, the Apostles’ Creed provides a framework for prayer and meditation. Each line invites reflection on the mysteries of faith and God’s work in creation, redemption, and sanctification.
Could you take a month and recite the Apostles’ Creed daily?
Conclusion
The Apostles’ Creed is more than a historical artifact; it is a living confession that continues to shape Christian identity and practice. Grounded in Scripture, it articulates the central truths of the faith in a way that is both accessible and profound. Whether recited in a church service, memorized for personal devotion, or studied for its theological depth, the creed remains a timeless testimony to the hope and truth found in Jesus Christ.