Real Hope: The Apostles' CreedSample

I Believe in Jesus Christ

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, who suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.

At our church, we no longer say the Apostles’ Creed or other forms of old-school liturgy. It’s not that we don’t believe what they say or call us to. We don’t unite in public profession of faith, largely in response to the issue of people just parroting words on a screen or sheet – without considering their meaning or import. We also don’t want to alienate those unfamiliar with Christian faith.

Sadly, what is lost when we ‘lose’ the Apostles’ Creed is a fantastic opportunity to remind ourselves of what we do believe. Most of us love dot points or summaries. Cutting to the chase helps cement what we know. Returning repeatedly to what is core to us keeps our core strengthened.

I don’t need to tell you that the Apostles’ Creed is a terrific overview of the Christian faith. The fact it has stood for centuries indicates that. Still, better evidence for its encouraging power is what this enduring summary must surely drive us back to.

Like any great synopsis, the Apostles’ Creed is not the main game. The Apostles’ Creed is not God’s Word. Rather, it’s a distillation of God’s Word and a billboard to how the Word (spoiler alert: Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord) saves.

The words of the Apostles’ Creed do not save any more than any other words of liturgy or preaching. The Apostles' Creed directs us back to the source of its inspiration – holy scripture – so we can continue growing in love, dependence, and joy on the Word of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary…

Written by BEN MCEACHAN