Concerning the Creeds
28. What is a creed?
A creed is a statement of faith. The word “creed” comes from the Latin credo, which means “I believe.”
(Deuteronomy 11:18–23; 26:1–11; John 20:24–29; 1 John 5:9–12)
29. What is the purpose of the creeds?
The purpose of the creeds is to declare and safeguard for all generations essential truths about God, the Church, and the world, as revealed in Holy Scripture.
(Deuteronomy 7:9–11; Psalm 145:4–13; John 20:30–31; 2 Timothy 1:13–14; Hebrews 2:1–4)
30. What does affirmation of the creeds signify?
Affirmation of the creeds signifies acceptance of God’s revealed truth and the intention to live by it. To reject any element of the creeds signifies a departure from the Christian faith.
(Matthew 16:13–20; 2 Timothy 3:14–15; 4:1–5; James 2:10–26)
31. Which creeds does this church affirm?
This church affirms the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Chalcedonian Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. We further subscrive to the Reforming Catholic Confession and the Second London Confession of Faith.
32. Why do you receive and affirm these creeds?
I receive and affirm these creeds with the Church because they are grounded in Holy Scripture and are faithful expressions of its teaching.
(Proverbs 13:14; 1 Corinthians 15:3–11; Philippians 2:5–11)
33. Why should you know these creeds?
I should know these creeds because they state the essential beliefs of the Christian faith.
(Deuteronomy 11:18–19; 1 Timothy 6:20–21; 2 Timothy 1:13–1 4)
34. What is the Apostles’ Creed?
The Apostles’ Creed says:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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.