Question 31: What do we believe by true faith?

Answer 31: Everything taught to us in the gospel. The Apostles’ Creed expresses what we believe in these words: We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, 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 the oldest Christian Creed, around since the second century, and gives a short, concise outline of what might be called “mere Christianity” or a summary of orthodox Christian faith. It’s called the Apostle’s Creed because this reflects in summary form the doctrine of the apostles, the doctrine of the New Testament. To be sure, Christians believe more than what is contained in this creed, but to truly be Christian, they cannot believe less. For centuries Christians have held to, memorized, and confessed this common creed. It is important to note, however, that if one appeals to this creed and even recites it perfectly, he should also be able to explain the meaning of it, even if with simplicity. So please, work to memorize in order to confess, but also read through the brief notes after each of the constituent parts to help with understanding as well. 

This is the way to begin a creed. A creed is a statement of belief. The word creed comes from the latin form “credo” which means “I believe”. The Christian faith contains truths not opinions, and they are to be believed, not merely felt. We live in an age where feelings and emotions often rule people’s actions. Christians are people of belief. Deep belief. Convictional belief. Of course we have feelings and emotions and feelings and emotions are good when they are serving the truth of what we believe. As Christians we need to unashamedly get back to saying, “I believe”. Notice what this creed says we believe. 

We see the Trinity: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Then it enumerates the central truths concerning our Lord Jesus Christ. Holy catholic church (small “c” - universal). Communion of the saints - a union in Christ of all the true saints, past, present, and future. Forgiveness of sins. Resurrection of the body. The life everlasting.

Think about what is happening when we recite this creed - it connects Christians now with those who have gone before us; it connects 2000 years of church history - across space and time, cultures, nations, and languages - it connects us all together because we all confess, “We believe in God the Father almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth… 

Jude 3 - I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.