In my last article, I said there was no such thing as a bad Bible translation, with one exception: The...
What are historical Christian beliefs?
The Apostles’ Creed is a historic confession of faith. One of the earliest summaries of Christian beliefs, its roots go back to the baptismal confessions of the second century with the Old Roman Creed (around 150–200 AD) being its earliest version.
The Apostles Creed: historical Christian beliefs
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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.
Tell me more about...
The Apostles Creed
The Apostles’ Creed is one of the oldest and most enduring summaries of the Christian faith. Though not written directly by the apostles, it reflects their teaching and the early church’s confession of what it means to believe in God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The creed grew out of the baptismal declarations of the second century, with the Old Roman Creed forming its earliest version.
Over time, the words were shaped and refined until, by the 4th century, the creed closely resembled the form Christians continue to use today. By the 8th century it had become the standard confession of faith across much of the Western church.
This short but powerful statement gives voice to the essentials of the Christian gospel. It declares faith in God the Father as Creator of heaven and earth, in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and in the Holy Spirit who sustains and sanctifies the people of God.
It affirms the historic events of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension, and it points forward to his promised return to judge the living and the dead. It also highlights the lived reality of Christian hope – the forgiveness of sins, the communion of saints, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Christians around the world still recite the Apostles’ Creed in worship and in private devotion. It reminds believers that their faith is not new or invented but rooted in the historic witness of the church.
In a world where beliefs are often shifting, the creed anchors us in the unchanging truth of the gospel and unites us with Christians across centuries and nations.
The Apostles Creed
The creed is called “Apostles’” not because the apostles wrote it word for word, but because it summarises the core of their teaching. It reflects the faith passed down by the earliest followers of Jesus and serves as a trustworthy guide to what Christians have always believed.
How is the Apostles’ Creed used today?
The creed continues to be used in worship services, catechism classes, and personal devotion. Many churches recite it together as a reminder of shared faith, and individuals often use it in prayer as a way to ground themselves in biblical truth.
Apostles’ Creed vs Nicene Creed
The Apostles’ Creed is shorter and one of the earliest creeds, while the Nicene Creed (325 AD) was developed later to respond to heresies and give fuller detail about the nature of Christ. Both creeds are widely respected and affirm the same gospel foundations.
