Huntington Church of Christ

The Apostles' Creed is a popular statement of faith used by both Roman Catholic and Protestant churches. It contains three sections that deal with God the Father, Jesus the Christ and the Holy Spirit. The earliest version of this man made creed can be traced back to the 100's AD. Legend has it that the twelve apostles composed the creed, but there is not a single piece of evidence to support the theory. It is commonly thought among scholars that the creed was assembled by early "Christians" and was probably derived from a popular baptismal confession that was originated by another Roman Creed.

Here is one common form: "I believe in God, the Father Almight, Creator of heaven and earth; and 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 into hell; the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven; sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall 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 life everlasting. Amen."

The Protestant version generally substitutes "catholic" or "Christian" in place of "Catholic". The Church of England or Episcopal Church apparently had an additional note in "their" Apostles' Creed that bound the ten commandments upon the membership.)

It is not unusual for denominations or religious organizations to insist or demand their members sign and obey a "statement of faith". These documents find their origin in the "Apostle' Creed". Look all you can, but such demands will never be found in God's Holy Word. The church you read about in the New Testmanet does not acknowledge nor does it respect such man made creeds. The Lord's church should never be found guilty of expecting her members or leaders to sign a document created by man. How about the church of which you are a member? Do they insist or expect you to sign such a creed? Then you can be assured it is not the church of Jesus Christ. (Please read Matthew 15:6-9; 2 John 9-11; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Galatians 1:6-10)

Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ