The Apostles Creed is among the most ancient creeds of the church, expressing the fundamental beliefs of Christianity. Implicit in the creed is the Trinity, “I believe in God, the Father… Jesus Christ… the Holy Spirit,” which establishes a relational dimension of divinity that corresponds also to humanity.
Asked what I believe, I note that I embrace the values of historical Christianity, that God is real and that he exists. For, “without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb. 11:6, ESV). Thus, God is calling all people to approach him in the holiness of Christ, that belief might manifest as faith.
Credo…
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s 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 to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I 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.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
* Capatilized, “catholic” generally means the Roman Catholic Church; uncapitalized, “catholic” indicates the church at large, the “universal” church, i.e. the Body of Christ