The Apostles’ Creed
Understanding the Creed
The Apostles' Creed is one of the earliest and most widely accepted statements of Christian faith. It provides a concise summary of essential biblical truths, affirming belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. While not written by the apostles themselves, the Creed reflects the core teachings of the apostolic church and has been used for centuries as a foundational confession of faith, particularly in baptism and worship.
History
The origins of the Apostles' Creed date back to the early church, with its earliest forms appearing in the second century as a baptismal confession. It gradually developed into its current form by the eighth century, serving as a clear and simple statement of Christian belief. Unlike the Nicene Creed, which was formulated in response to theological controversies, the Apostles' Creed was used primarily for catechesis, ensuring that new believers understood and affirmed the essentials of the faith. It has been embraced by Reformed, Protestant, and Catholic traditions as a unifying expression of historic Christianity.
Why We Affirm the Apostles' Creed
As a church devoted to biblical truth, we affirm the Apostles' Creed because it faithfully summarizes the foundational teachings of Scripture. It anchors us in the historic Christian faith, connecting us to the testimony of believers throughout the ages. The Creed reminds us of the triune nature of God, the redemptive work of Christ, and the hope of the resurrection. By confessing it, we stand in unity with the church across time and proclaim the gospel message with clarity and conviction.
We invite you to reflect on the rich truths of the Apostles' Creed and how they shape our faith and worship. To explore more about what we believe, visit our What We Believe page.
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
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again
from the dead.
He ascended to heaven and
is seated at the right hand of
God the Father almighty.
From there 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.