The Apostles Creed is nearly as old as the Canon itself. But it may still be the best explanation of my most foundational beliefs.
I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and Earth.
I believe that God spoke this world into being because He is the author of creativity. Everything we see, smell, and touch is a testament to the creativity and the Glory of God. Psalm 19:1-2 says it best. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Every rock, tree, and river is a witness of God’s glory. I am humbled that God would create and care for me. in the midst of this glorious and infinite universe. His power and glory, as revealed in creation, makes Him worthy of my worship and my complete allegiance.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord…
I believe that Jesus is the firstborn of all creation and that He is and was God from the beginning. His Sonship and trinitarian identity is his most important attribute. Jesus is the full and complete revelation of God. In His love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and humility we not only glean an example of how to live, but we also gain a picture of God’s character. He is Lord, not because of what He did, but because of who He is. He is God. In this regard, I agree with the words of Hebrews 1:3, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Therefore, if God is worthy of my worship and allegiance, Christ is as worthy of such. Moreover, this belief and this faith in Jesus is what gives me access to his eternal grace and reconciliation. It is only by his grace that this path exists. I am simply asked to believe, to walk in faith, in order to claim the salvation that He offers.
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit…
I believe that the Holy Spirit was responsible for the conception of Jesus just as the prophets foretold. I have no idea why this was God’s chosen method of delivery. Perhaps the knowledge that Jesus was not the offspring of man is important in the establishment of his ultimate authority. Maybe it was simply a way for God to demonstrate complete authority over the natural order. Whatever the case, I take it on faith that the miracle that was foretold in Isaiah 7:14 was fulfilled at Jesus’ conception. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and call him Emmanuel.”
Born of the Virgin Mary…
I believe that Mary was chosen for her faith and humility. Considering the 1st century Jewish customs of betrothal, Mary was probably 12 or 13 years old. Yet, when the Angel Gabriel informs her that she has been chosen to carry the Christ, her response is, “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38). That is amazing faith. That is amazing sacrifice. Some faith traditions have elevated Mary to a status above the intention of the Gospel accounts. Other traditions have diminished her importance, possibly as a reaction to the place of honor she has been awarded in other traditions. I think the truth is somewhere in the middle. Mary’s faith and humility are examples to us. She was willing to take on a life of shame in order to fulfill God’s will for her life. She was willing to sacrifice her own comfort, well-being, and reputation. She denied herself for the good of God’s kingdom. That is how I am called to live. But, so often my priorities are reversed. So often I want to serve God, only when his kingdom converges with my agenda. I pray to live like Mary, in complete and utter surrender to the will of God in all aspects of my life.
Suffered under Pontius Pilate…
I believe that, as was the case in the rest of his life, Jesus’ punishment under Pilate is the ultimate manifestation of humility. Jesus had the authority to challenge Pilate’s rule. He had the power to free himself. He had the knowledge to argue his way out of execution He had the capability of glorifying himself. Yet. even though he was God, he chose the way of the humble. He chose to turn the other cheek. He chose the whip, the crown of thorns, the purple robe, and the cross. He didn’t have to do this. God is God. To claim that this suffering was the only way to ensure universal salvation is to deny the omniscience of God. Had he asked, the cup would have been taken from him. Yet, despite all of this, He chose to suffer for us. He chose to be an example. He chose humility. He denied Himself. I believe that He is calling me to a similar posture, of self denial and humility. And, I believe that in whatever I do, my own glory and self satisfaction should never be my primary consideration. Instead, I am called to live as Christ lived, sacrificially and humbly. Paul put it perfectly in Philippians 2:5-7, “In your relationships, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus who, being in very nature, God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant.”
Was crucified…
I believe that the cross offers us access to God. By humbling himself to death on a cross, Christ broke the barrier between a sinful people and a Holy God. I am not sure if there was a miraculous cosmic shift that somehow satisfied God’s need for blood sacrifice as atonement for all the sin of humanity, or if the crucifixion was simply God’s way of demonstrating ultimate love and humility and that, by living in that way, we have true access to the the divine. Either way, as shown by the tearing of the temple veil, it is obvious that the cross serves as the bridge between a God that has constantly sought relationship with his people and a people that has constantly sought independence and self-satisfaction. Hebrews 10:19-20 says, “Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh.” The cross is God’s attempt to bring us to Him. As I look at the cross, I am amazed that my God would die for me. I am not worthy of such grace and such love. I have done nothing to deserve such sacrifice. I only pray that I may live so sacrificially toward others and that my life would be a reflection of his grace and mercy.
Suffered the Pangs of Hell on the Cross…
There is no doubt that crucifixion was one of the most inhumane tortures ever invented, but what Christ suffered on the cross was much more than physical pain. He was rejected, despised, and cast aside by everyone that ever loved him including his own Father. When Jesus said, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me,” He was referring to his complete and utter separation from God. 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” Again, I do not pretend to be an expert on the cosmic event that was somehow taking place in that moment. I do not know if Christ’s divinity somehow abandoned him or if God simply allowed him to experience the hell that we all deserve. Either way, that moment when God hid his face from Jesus was the moment of ultimate sacrifice. More than physical pain, more than worldly scorn, more than the rejection of friends, Jesus experienced the worst emotional and inner pain that the universe has to offer; complete separation from God, just as if he was the worst of sinners. That is my fate. That is what I deserve. That is where my sins will put me. I am doomed. Praise be to God that Christ took that from me. He endured separation so that I may walk in unity with Him.
Died and was buried…
I believe that, at this point in the story, Satan believed he had won. He had already corrupted world. He had infiltrated the thoughts, words, and deeds of God’s most cherished creation. He had scorched the earth, turning paradise into pain. Now, he had killed the Son of God. The world had become so evil and so corrupt that the most loving servant of all mankind had been killed by the very ones that he came to save. God had turned the world over to Satan and the world had responded by killing it’s Savior. This point in the story reminds me that we live in the midst of a crooked and depraved generation and that Satan is the ruler of this evil place. According to 2 Corinthians 4:4, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Our world is evil and broken. And, no matter how we love, how we serve, how we sacrifice, the world will always hate truth. The world will always hate love. The world will always despise anyone that threatens it’s evil nature.
On the third day He rose again…
I believe that the resurrection is proof that God is all powerful and that even the most final and definitive word of Satan is not final and definitive to God. He has power over the entire universe, even conquering death, the most certain of all human conditions. But the resurrection is more than just the revelation of God’s power in a single moment. The resurrection is God’s undeniable message that love and truth will win the eternal battle against evil. In I Corinthians 15:19, Paul says, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” It is because of the resurrection that we can live a life that is holy and pleasing to Him even as the world tries to destroy us. It is because of the resurrection that we know our pain, our loss, our heartache, will be taken away in the end. It is because of the resurrection that we can endure persecution. It is because of the resurrection that we can praise Him even when every ounce of our being wants to blame and curse His absence. The resurrection is our hope. It is proof that humility and self-sacrifice will one day lead to exaltation and victory. As Christ has risen, so will those of us that are in Him to brought to a place ultimate peace and joy. But, oh how I forget this daily. Everyday I am torn or disgusted by the direction of this world. I get caught up in the moment and actually start to believe that evil is winning. I lose hope. I lose faith. I forget. The resurrection must be central in my daily being. I must remember to take heart, for Christ has overcome the world.
He ascended into heaven and it is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty…
I believe that, once again, this is claim to the divine nature of Jesus, a reminder of his trinitarian identity. As Christ was God and with God in the beginning, he reigns and will reign for all eternity. And it is this risen, ascended Jesus that we worship along with all created beings both living and dead, as we join with all of creation in the words of Revelation 5:12, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.”
From there he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe that judgment is coming. I believe that there will be day in which we will all answer for our actions, our choices, and the postures of our hearts. The truth is that no one can escape judgement. We are all sinful and we are all fallen. But, his grace is sufficient for all. If we truly believe in Christ, and that if our hearts are truly beholden to his love and mercy, his grace covers all of our sins and all of our faults. This is not a result of our good works, but a result of his grace and our faith in Him. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Even the most faithful and loving people fall daily. If perfection were the mark, no one could stand before God. But, when we are faced with judgement, instead of our faults and our shortcomings which are worthy of death, we will be judged on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice. Quite honestly, I don’t know how this works. I am not certain if we are unconditionally elected, our acceptance is somehow predetermined, or if we really have ultimate free will and make an independent choice. I think there is both scriptural and logical support for both positions. But, whatever the origin of our election, I know that Christ’s sacrifice and our faith in him is the only reason for our salvation.
I believe in the Holy Spirit…
I believe that the Holy Spirit of God lives within each of us. I believe that the Holy Spirit is a coequal and unique part of the holy trinity. I believe the Spirit is intercessor, conscience, the tug of our heart, the voices in our head, and our guide as we try to navigate the world. I believe that those that are in Christ will live by the Spirit and that this life will produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22) This is the test of my true heart and my true character. I fall every day, but if I am in the Spirit, I should be in process toward a posture that is more loving, more patient, more gentle, more faithful. When this is not the case, the Spirit convicts me and I am prompted to seek forgiveness and reconciliation from God and others. The Spirit should be reflected in the posture of my heart. My disposition should reflect the ideals of the Spirit.
The Holy Christian Church…
I believe that God has called us to be a “set apart” people. Much as Israel was chosen in the Old Testament, as a community that was to be a light to the nations, God has called the church to be a beacon of light in an increasingly dark world. We are called to love unconditionally, to care for the poor, to help those in need, to teach truth and proclaim mercy. The church is not a building. The church is not a bureaucratic organization. The church is not a stack of historical documents or writings. The church is a community of believers that try to live as Christ lived. The church is any two or more that are gathered in His name (Matt 18:20). God knows that our countercultural existence is going to be wrought with difficulty and hardship. That is why the early church fathers constantly tout the virtues of community. We are not asked to do this on our own. God has designed us to live in community with each other. Within this set apart community there is to be accountability and equality and discussion and wrestling and the spurring on of each other. This community should be a place of acceptance and love and mercy and grace and truth and reconciliation. The world should look at this community with pause and wonder regarding the catalyst for the obvious difference between this community and all others. When we live together like this, we can start to fulfill our calling as salt and light.
The Communion of the Saints…
I believe that all Christ-followers, dead, alive, and not yet born, share a need for God’s salvation through grace and faith in Jesus Christ. This posture unites us across the boundaries of time, space, race, sex, creed, language, and denominational affiliation. If we confess Christ, we have been born again into Him and we no longer identify ourselves in terms of our worldly differences. Instead, Christ is over all and in all and through all (Ephesians 4:6). This is the purpose of the holy sacrament of communion, to unite all believers in the death and resurrection of Christ. Despite all of our perceived differences, we are one body. This is perhaps the most difficult piece of the creed to live daily in our modern culture tells us that our differences define us. In fact, we invent subgroups so that we have a place of belonging and then we draw our identity from our group affiliation. These subgroups may be based on gender, occupation, national origin, race, political affiliation, skill set, or a hundred different constructions. I believe that we are called to reject all labels from which we are tempted to draw life or identity. Our identity is in Christ. All other labels are secondary and non-essential.
The forgiveness of sins…
I have been forgiven unconditionally. Even though I am going to sin again, God forgives me. Even though I constantly make the same mistakes, God forgives me. Even though I know the truth and choose the lie, God forgives me. Even though I hurt Him, God forgives me. There is nothing that can separate me from the love of God and there is nothing that can make him cease to forgive me (Romans 8:35). Moreover, I do nothing to deserve this forgiveness. All I have to do is ask with a pure and contrite heart. What grace is this? His death has absolved every sin that I will ever commit. How, then, can I not forgive my brother when he sins against me? If I am called to love as Christ loves, I need to practice unconditional forgiveness at all times, without exception.
The resurrection of the body…
I believe that this piece of the creed is essential for two reasons. First, I think this refers to the resurrected body of Jesus. Practically speaking, the resurrected body of Jesus is proof that he has power over the physical. Jesus obviously believed that his physical body was the ultimate proof of his resurrection (John 20:24). And, though it seems that his body had been somewhat transformed, it was definitely Him. 1 Corinthians 15:54 says, “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where oh death is your victory? Where oh death is your sting?” In other words, the new body is a demonstration of the power of the creator over our natural fate. Second, I believe that this belief rejects the common gnostic heresy, that the physical world is evil and should, thus, be rejected. God created the body. Creation is good. Our bodies will someday be transformed, but we will not cease to be our physical selves. This belief is essential in both the way we care for physical needs of others and the way we enjoy physical blessings. Of course, the danger is to place our hope in the physical. This is idolatry and is warned against constantly. But, belief in Christ does not require complete rejection of all physical pleasure.
And the life everlasting…
I believe that I will live forever with Christ. I believe that there will be a new heaven and a new earth and that God and man will once more live in unity as was originally intended. I believe that all sin and pain and shame and fear will be banished, that the powers of hell will cease, and that God will rule in all of his glory forever. Eternity is real. This world is temporary. We are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). I pray that I would live each day with an eternal perspective, knowing that this world is temporary and that something better is coming.
Amen
We say it all the time. We use it like the period at the end of a sentence. It’s a natural ending in our vernacular. But, we often forget that “Amen” is a declaration. “So be it!” “Lord, I believe all of this, so be it!” In other words, “Lord. I believe this to be true, now let me live it!” Amen is a prayer that we would live according to our confession. As I reflect on this statement of faith, I am aware of how unequipped I am to live this truth. I am aware of how much bigger these words are than my humble faculties. I am aware that my life will only reflect my claim because of the grace of God. So, I say “Amen” as a humble prayer that I would faithfully live according to the message of this creed. I say “Amen, so be it.” Let me live this truth by your grace. Take my life and transform it according to your will. It is the only way that this statement is anything more than empty words. Amen, so be it.