By Pastor Stephen Piersall
God's Preservation Ministry, sfprs.org/
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THE APOSTLES' CREED
Many variations exist:
“I believe in GOD, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ,
His only Son, our LORD: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into Abraham’s Bosom.
And on the third day, He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on 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 life everlasting. Amen.”
The "Apostles' Creed" and its true origins are not precisely known. It is dated approximately 300 A.D., and quickly grown to be the most popular creed used by Western World Christians. By its liberal use of the words "I Believe," it sets forth the standards by which Christians measure themselves, and encouraged faith in all those who pledged it.
It is not called "The Apostles' Creed," because it was written or authored by any of the Apostles, it is called this because it is actually an excellent brief synopsis of what the Apostles taught. Unfortunately, some have the mistaken idea that the word “Catholic" belongs to the Roman Catholic Church, and are puzzled as to why the Apostles' Creed would refer to the Holy 'Catholic' Church. Even so, it is important to understand that the term 'Catholic' simply referred to the "universal" Church of believers, and in no way implied what is Roman Catholicism.
In the big picture, nothing has really changed today. The true church of God is the Universal (Catholic, in Greek) Church, no matter what label man puts upon it by his denominational proclamation. The one Holy Universal Church because it is fulfilling its commitment to go to the ends of the earth with the gospel.
I BELIEVE:
The Apostle's creed begins with the words "I believe.” Before you can begin to examine the statements made in the Creed, the question needs to be asked:
Why do we believe in anything at all?
Why do you believe the things that you do?
Because of your parents?
A teacher or professor?
A friend, religious authority, society, etc.?
The Greek word: Pisteuo
It means to consider something to be true and therefore, worthy of one’s trust and to entrust oneself to an entity in complete confidence. This presentation examines why we come to believe the things that we do and compare it to why we should believe what we do. In the end, the only reason to believe in something - such as Christianity - is because it is true, and this presentation provides evidence as to why anyone should put their faith and trust in the teachings of the Christian faith.
Creed- from the Latin word “credo” meaning “I believe” is used to summarize the doctrine that formulated the foundations for the church and not meant to cover the whole Christian faith. It is the fortification of the church to help believers defend themselves against the heretical doctrine. Because the Apostles were no longer living and the Church was beset with errors creeping in, and the creed is the principles in which the body of Christ holds as their standard and guide to measure all codes and teachings within the church.
I prayerfully hope that this summary of the Apostle’s Creed will help those in doubt about God, Faith, and historical background.
