CREEDS & CONFESSIONS: The Apostle’s Creed

The Apostles’ Creed is a succinct statement of the Christian faith. In my mind, one that comes from a Christian tradition that does not use creeds, the Apostle’s Creed is the first one of which I think. It covers the basics of Christianity (which all creeds do for those in previous generations who could not read or write) in a way that can be learned and regurgitated.

So let me spit out for you four key highlights from the Apostle’s Creed:

#1 Belief in God the Creator: YHWH God is the One God Who is all-powerful and the origin of all creation. He thought up each and every molecule that exists. He created all that exists or will exist. Bear in mind this is the God described in Genesis-Revelation and is counterfeited in other religions.

#2 Jesus Christ’s Identity: Jesus is God (therefore divine) and had an essential mission of redemption. The Apostle’s Creed highlights the incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus for humanity’s salvation. Each of those subjects about the life of Jesus of Nazareth are important to understand as it is Jesus that sets apart Christianity from all other belief systems. Answering “Who is Jesus?” is indeed a central question. He is God.

#3 The Role of the Holy Spirit: God in Three Persons is a divine mystery that emphasizes God as a loving community unto Himself. The creed emphasizes the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers and the Church. He is God.

#4 Eternal Life and Resurrection: The first result or benefit we think of when it comes to the Christian religion is eternal life. Believers in Jesus have the gift of eternal life with God in Heaven forever. The Apostle’s Creed points to the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life with God.

The Apostle’s Creed is the basic starting place for any person digging into faith. As we explore other Christian Creeds, we will need to compare and contrast with the Bible to make sure we are focusing on proper Biblical belief.

SOME TERMS DEFINED:

Christ: This is the designation of Jesus as the Messiah. Christ means “anointed one” in Greek. It is the same word as Messiah (Hebrew) which also means “anointed one.” Jesus was the anointed one to carry out God’s salvation plan.

Son: Jesus is made of the same stuff as God. This will be covered in future creeds because it is an important Truth of Jesus’ identity. God was/is His Father. Mary was His mother.

Lord: Jesus is King of Kings and all authority is His.

Holy Ghost: An old fashioned term for the Holy Spirit.

Virgin: Mary was a virgin (never sexually been with a man) when Jesus was conceived. The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary with a miracle and Jesus was produced.

Pontus Pilate: Roman governor when Jesus was executed.

Hell: A broad term meaning “the place of the dead” rather than the theological term meaning “the place of the damned.” It is a confusing term.

Right Hand: The place of honor.

Catholic: A broad term meaning “universal” rather than the capital “C” meaning a category of Christianity usually with “Roman” before it.

Saints: A broad term meaning a believer in Jesus Christ.

Creeds help narrow down what we believe and why. In a world where belief is often twisted and bent and deconstructed, it is important to have a firm footing in faith.

TMB