Apostles Creed

The Apostles Creed is a description of the basic principles of Christian Faith. There are theologians that believe that those principles were written by the original twelve Apostles on the tenth day following the ascension of Christ into heaven. Other theories teach that the Creed was in fact developed later, in A.D. 215. In its original form, the document was used and recited during baptismal ceremonies for the churches of Rome. It became to be known as the Roman Symbol, and displayed in a question and answer format, with believers affirming their acceptance of the Creed. The authorship of the creed has been discussed by theologians and debated for centuries. While it did not originate within the Catholic Church, many scholars agree that the Statement of faith developed as a baptismal confession of faith, which continues to be used in most Western churches. Learn God's Word by taking this Apostles Creed Bible Quiz.



Here is the wording of the Apostles Creed and the Scriptures that support the principles: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: (Genesis 1:1 and John 3:16) who, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin, Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. (Luke 1:26-31; 23:14-25, 24:46-56). He descended into hell. (1 Peter 3:19) The third day He arose again from the dead. (Luke 24:26-49) He ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. (Luke 24:51; Luke 22:69; 1 Peter 4:6) I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrections of the body, and life everlasting. (Romans 12:5; 1 John 1:9; Hebrews 6:2)



By simple definition, a creed is a system of principles, beliefs or the body of teachings of a religious group that are generally accepted by that group. The Apostles Creed does just that, citing Christian beliefs and basic doctrine, uniting believers with the foundations that all Christians subscribe to. The statement of faith is not a citing of beliefs particular to the Catholic Church, though the faith statement uses the word Catholic in the body of the document. The word Catholic is referring to the entire body of believers, the universal Christian church, because the purpose of the Creed is to provide a statement of faith for all united believers. While this statement of beliefs is not the Holy Word of God, as is the Bible, the faith statement is built upon the foundation provided by Scripture. For more Bible resources like the Apostles Creed, click the link.



Though portions of this statement of faith have been debated and questioned, it is clear that the wording finds it roots in Holy Scripture. The wording of the document has evolved with different denominations and traditions, specializing the expressions to fit the beliefs of any given church. Perhaps the most debated phrase in the Famous Faith statement is the "descended into hell", a phrase that has confused Christians for centuries. This act of Christ descending into hell has long been the topic of debate and disagreement between Christians and differing denominations. Considering the fact that this phrase has stayed in the Creed gives the idea that Christ's descending has been a long time discussion. Christians have long been troubled over what the descent actually means for Christ. Augustine believed Christ literally descended into hell. But in a letter, he admitted to several uncertainties over the meaning of the scriptures located in 1 Peter 3:29, which says that Jesus preached to those "spirits in prison" who had been disobedient in Noah's day. If "prison" equals "hell," Augustine pondered why, would those in hell receive the honor of Christ and His message? Augustine, as many men after him did not attempt to resolve the matter, but openly admitted his puzzlement with this scripture.



Perhaps there are statements in Scripture that can leave us pondering and uncertain as to their meaning. However, accepting the Word as the inherent Word of God does not equate to total understanding. Jeremiah 33:3 tell us to call to God, and that He will teach us great and unreachable things. He also tells us through the prophet Isaiah that His ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts, according to Isaiah 55:8-10. The results of compelling scripture studies go far beyond settling debates; compelling scripture studies allow us to dig and research the Word of God, finding our very life within the pages of this great book. We should not worry if there are some things written within the pages of the Bible that are too great for our limited understanding, we are called obey and believe.