The Rule of Faith
“I 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 Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose
again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth 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; the holy catholic Church; the communion
of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life
everlasting. Amen.”
For centuries, the Apostle’s Creed has also been called; “The rule of faith.” What this means is that this creed, more so than any other, gives a good summation of what Christian faith is al about. The Apostle’s Creed has also formed the basis for many great theological treatises.
Contrary to some opinion, the Apostle’s Creed was not written by the apostles. It authorship is unknown but apparently evolved in the first and second century and reached the form we know now in the eighth century. Historically, it has been the creed most often used when bringing new members in to the Christian faith.
One way to think of this creed is that it reflects the missionary nature of the Christian church. We are all sent forth in faith as apostles (those sent out with a mission). Our calling is to make disciples for Jesus Christ and this is our statement of faith and our beliefs in their simplest form. Hence it is the “Apostle’s Creed” and the “Rule of faith.”
The Heidelburg Catechism divides this creed in to three major sections for further expansion: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. In the next several posts, I too will divide the creed into sections. I hope to explore this ecumenical creed and give some expansion for the truths of Christian faith that it expounds and encourage you to think about what it is you profess when you recite this creed.
In essence, I’ll be doing what several others have done over the years, using the creed as a basis for some theological thought. My efforts may not be as concise or well thought out as those of Calvin or Barth, but they will attempt to reflect my understanding of Christian faith as it is expressed in this creed.
Merciful God, you gave us this creed as a means of expressing our faith in words that others understand. Guide my writings and bless those who read this that we may all wrestle with our understanding of life as your servants. This we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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