THE APOSTLE’S CREED

“I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth
And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell
The third day he rose again from the dead
He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:
I believe in the Holy Ghost
I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints
The forgiveness of sins
The resurrection of the body
And the life everlasting. Amen.”

The Apostles’ Creed is a precious jewel of the Christian faith, a simple yet profound declaration of our beliefs. It’s like a spiritual family heirloom passed down through generations, uniting us with the early followers of Christ. When you recite this creed, you’re joining a chorus of voices across time and space, affirming the same foundational truths.

Theologically, the Creed anchors us in the reality of the Trinity: God the Father, Creator of all; Jesus Christ, His Son, who redeems us; and the Holy Spirit, who sustains and guides us. Each line is a step closer to the heart of our faith, a commitment to the truths that shape our lives.

As you reflect on the Creed, consider it as a personal map for your spiritual journey. It reminds us of God’s love, the sacrifice of Jesus for our salvation, and the Spirit’s presence in our daily walk. Embrace it not just with your mind, but let it settle in your heart, guiding your actions and comforting you in times of need. The Apostles’ Creed isn’t just a list of beliefs; it’s a call to live out those beliefs every day, in every act of love, every moment of trust, and every step of faith.

The Apostles’ Creed begins with “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” This is the starting point of our journey of faith, recognizing God as the source of all, our loving Father who crafts each sunrise and sunset, who knows every star by name. To believe in Him is to find our place in the vastness of His creation, secure in His care.

Next, “And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,” we declare our allegiance to Jesus, who bridged the gap between God and humanity. He is our Lord, not just in title, but in the everyday moments where we choose His ways over ours.

“Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,” speaks of the miraculous entry of God into our human story, a divine mystery where heaven touched earth in the form of a baby who would grow to be our savior.

“Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried,” we remember the price of our freedom, the suffering of the innocent for the guilty. In His wounds, we find healing, and in His death, our own sins are buried.

“He descended to the dead. On the third day, He rose again,” Jesus’s victory over death is our hope that no darkness, not even death, can hold us down. Because He lives, we look forward to eternal life.

“He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father,” assures us that Jesus reigns with authority. In life’s chaos, we have an advocate above who intercedes for us, a king who is in control.

“From there He will come to judge the living and the dead,” is a solemn reminder of accountability and justice. It’s a call to live rightly, to value what is good and true, knowing that our choices matter beyond this life.

“I believe in the Holy Spirit,” is a whisper of the ever-present help and comforter who guides us into all truth, who empowers us to live beyond our own strength, who whispers peace in the turmoil.

“The holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,” we’re never alone; we’re part of a global family, past, present, and future, connected in our shared faith and mutual love.

“The forgiveness of sins,” offers us a fresh start, the promise that our past does not define us, and that grace is always a prayer away.

“The resurrection of the body,” speaks to our hope beyond the grave, that death is not the end, but a doorway to a new life with God.

“And life everlasting,” we end with the promise that this life is just the beginning, that an eternity of joy awaits us in God’s presence.

As you meditate on the Creed, let each line be a stepping stone in your daily walk with God. Let it shape how you live, how you love, how you forgive, and how you hope. In the quiet moments of your day, revisit these truths and let them be the bedrock of your life. Here, in the simple yet profound, is the essence of our faith—the heart of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

–Patrick Brown