Real Hope: The Apostles' CreedSample

I Believe in God the Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth

This is where it all begins – we believe God the Father almighty is the creator of heaven and earth. There is no other than Him. This acknowledges so much in just a few words and sets the scene for what follows in the Apostles’ Creed.

The creed we use today, in its full form, has been with us since about 700 AD, but there are shorter forms of the same words going back to Roman times. It’s been used as an entrance into fellowship, a confession before baptism, and a ‘rule of faith’ to give continuity to Christian teachings from place to place to ensure that the true faith is separated from heretical or false teachings. Words such as these show that, because of what God has done, we can discern something about God’s nature and will. Genesis 1:2 says, Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. God acted and created it all.

If I can sum it up as such:

• Creation is ex nihilo, that is, out of nothing without using pre-existing materials.
• God did not create a certain part of reality with the rest from some other origin; the entity of creation has come into being by this act.
• Everything that is not God has derived its existence from Him. There is no room for another.
• The original act of divine creation is unique.

When you stand up and say the creed next time, ponder the wonder of God’s creation and all it means.

Written By DAVID BARKER