The Apostles’ Creed is one of the earliest summaries of the Christian faith. For centuries, believers have stood together and declared, “I believe…” Not just as a rote recitation, but as a bold confession that shapes how we live, worship, and follow Jesus.
In this series of reflections, we journey line by line through the Creed, allowing Scripture to illuminate the truths Christians hold in common.
I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth
The Creed begins at the beginning: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This is not presented as an argument to be proven, but a fact to be received. God is the source of life, the sustainer of creation, and the Father who loves His children.
Isaiah 64:8 reminds us: “We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.” To call Him “Father” is to acknowledge His care, intimacy, and authority. To call Him “Almighty” is to confess that nothing is too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:17). And to call Him “Creator” is to live in awe, knowing that all of creation proclaims His glory (Psalm 19:1).
Faith begins here: trusting that life does not emerge from chaos or chance but from the purposeful hand of a loving God.
And in Jesus Christ, His Only Son, Our Lord
The Creed then centers on Jesus—the heart of our faith. John 1:1–3 declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… Through him all things were made.” Jesus is not just another prophet or teacher; He is God in the flesh, the Savior whose very name means “Yahweh saves” (Matthew 1:21).
He is the Christ—the promised Messiah, the Anointed One who fulfills every prophecy. From the ark of Noah to the victory of David, from the promise of Isaiah to the hope of Micah, all of Scripture points to Him.
He is God’s Son—not in the sense of human lineage, but in divine nature. Jesus says in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” To see Him is to see the Father (John 14:9).
And He is Lord. Philippians 2:10–11 proclaims that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth… and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.” To call Him Lord is not mere lip service—it means surrendering every decision, desire, and direction of life to His authority.
Who Was Conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary
Here the Creed reminds us that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. Conceived by the Spirit (Luke 1:35), His birth was miraculous. Born of Mary, He entered into the human condition—sharing our weakness, yet without sin.
This affirms that salvation is not man reaching up to God, but God coming down to us. The incarnation is heaven’s bridge to earth, the eternal Word becoming flesh (John 1:14).
He Suffered Under Pontius Pilate, Was Crucified, Died, and Was Buried
The Creed is brutally honest: our faith rests on a suffering Savior. Jesus endured betrayal, false accusation, and public humiliation. He was nailed to a Roman cross, where He bore the punishment for our sins. Isaiah 53:5 says: “He was pierced for our transgressions… by his wounds we are healed.”
The mention of Pontius Pilate anchors this confession in history—reminding us that our faith is not myth but rooted in real events. Jesus’ death was not an accident but part of God’s redemptive plan.
He Descended to the Dead. On the Third Day He Rose Again
The descent underscores that Jesus truly entered death, experiencing its depth. But death could not hold Him. On the third day He rose in power, vindicating His identity and securing our hope.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” But because He lives, we live also. His resurrection is the guarantee of our future resurrection.
He Ascended into Heaven and Sits at the Right Hand of the Father
Jesus’ mission did not end with His resurrection. He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9–11) and now reigns with authority, interceding for us (Romans 8:34). To sit at the Father’s right hand is to share in divine rule and glory.
This gives us confidence: our Savior is not distant but actively ruling, praying, and preparing a place for us (John 14:2–3).
He Will Come Again to Judge the Living and the Dead
The Creed looks forward with hope. History is not random—it is moving toward a conclusion. Jesus will return, not as a suffering servant but as a righteous judge (2 Timothy 4:1).
For believers, His coming is not to be feared but anticipated. Revelation 21 promises a new heaven and a new earth, where God dwells with His people and wipes away every tear.
I Believe in the Holy Spirit
The Spirit is God’s presence with us today—the Comforter Jesus promised (John 14:16–17). The Spirit empowers us to obey, convicts us of sin, comforts us in weakness, and equips us with gifts to build up the church.
Romans 8:11 assures us: “The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you.” The same power that conquered the grave dwells in every believer.
The Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints
“Catholic” here means universal—the global body of believers across time and place. The church is not a building but a people, called out and set apart.
The communion of saints reminds us that we are not alone. We belong to a family that stretches across cultures and centuries, united by one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:5).
The Forgiveness of Sins
At the heart of the gospel is forgiveness. Through Christ’s sacrifice, our sins are washed away, and we are justified before God. Psalm 103:12 says: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
This forgiveness is not earned but received by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).
The Resurrection of the Body and the Life Everlasting
The Creed ends with hope. Just as Christ was raised, so too will we be raised. Death is not the end. Eternal life is not merely endless existence but abundant life in God’s presence forever.
Jesus promised: “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).
Living the Creed
- The Apostles’ Creed is more than ancient words—it is a roadmap for life. Each line draws us deeper into who God is and who we are called to be.
- Faith in the Father calls us to trust His power and care.
- Faith in the Son anchors us in His saving work.
- Faith in the Spirit empowers us for daily obedience.
- Faith in the church reminds us we belong to a family.
- Faith in forgiveness, resurrection, and life everlasting gives us hope beyond the grave.
- When we confess, “I believe,” we are not reciting empty tradition. We are joining a chorus of believers across centuries declaring the unchanging truth of the gospel.
Reflection Question:
When you say the words “I believe” in the Apostles’ Creed, which part stirs your heart the most right now—and how might God be inviting you to live that truth more fully this week?
