A creed is simply a summary statement of Christian faith and belief. It is believed the original intent for these creeds was to present a short summary of Christian doctrine that a follower of Jesus would affirm at baptism. They later became tools for instruction of new converts, for guarding against heresy, and for use in corporate worship. The Apostles’ Creed is one of the three most famous creeds established in the first five centuries of church history.

The Apostles’ Creed pulls our faith from the margins of our lives right into our hearts. As we reflect on it, our faith grows, our minds are renewed, and our hearts are warmed to the God of this creed. The creed can be used in various ways to encourage and strengthen our faith:

Pray through it in your devotional time
Memorize it as a family.
Study it line by line. J.I. Packer has written a book that walks through the Apostles Creed and serves as a great primer on theology.

THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I BELIEVE IN GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY
MAKER 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 TO THE DEAD.
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;
ONE HOLY CHURCH;
THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS;
THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS;
THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY;
AND THE LIFE EVERLASTING. AMEN.