The Apostles Creed | Introduction
If you told five people you would be studying the Apostles’ Creed, you would likely get five different responses ranging from total and complete apathy to immediate inquiring as to the historical stances and development of the creeds. Some would emphatically say “No creed but the Bible!” ironically giving a miniature creed to assert a complexity of their beliefs. Wherever you stand on the use of Creeds in Christianity, you cannot deny that, over the past few years, the creeds, and the Apostle’s Creed in particular, has been gaining increased attention in Christianity. From sermon series and bible studies by Matt Chandler from the Village Church to books written by Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, to various bible studies and levels of engagement all throughout various churches.
“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”
1 Peter 3:13-17, ESV
The purposes of the creeds has never been about attempting to replace the Bible but to provide a framework for people to engage their understanding of theology. One should never presume that because we have the creeds that we have the totality of God’s word or that the creeds are inspired by God. Simply put, the creeds do not hold the same authority as scripture. The Apostles’ Creed in particular has been altered and adjusted in numerous places based on the developing theological heresies of the day and what immediate cultural issues have arisen. The Apostles’ Creed gives the Christian a baseline confession of their faith while still being subject to the complete word of God in the divine inspired scriptures. Furthermore, while submitting to the authority of the scriptures, to forces the Christian to sincerely ask “What do I believe?” about our faith as we work through the statements. The Apostles’ Creed, beginning with “I believe,” helps us understand the truths of God and how we apply them to our daily life.
The Creeds Submit To The Authority of Scripture
The creeds hold a vital place in our understanding of Christian orthodoxy (right thinking) as they provide a summary of basic beliefs that define the essential doctrines of the truth. Furthermore, they provide a quick reference, similar to a catechism, for people to start and affirm what they believe. Yet, for all the benefits, we cannot hold the Apostles Creed or any other creed on par with the scriptures. The Scriptures are the self-revelation of God to His people. They are infallible in what they assert and authoritative in what they say. (For more on the Authority of Scripture, check out our series The Five Solas and look for Sola Scriptura)
The creeds free us to explore and think theologically but we must always be bound by the authority of scripture. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV) Every truth submits to the truth of scripture and yields to it’s completely authority, having been given by God. Knowing that, however, we should feel welcome and encouraged to explore theology. The thought process of thinking through what we believe and what the scripture reveals to us about God is a way to worship the Lord with our mind. We steward our mind by thinking about the most important thing we could ever think about, God. The creeds help us guide this conversation with others and ourself as we immerse ourself in the conversation with all the saints of history on who God is and what we belief.
Do You Know What You Believe?
This series will work through the Apostles’ Creed to garner a better understanding of theological truths. The question we all must wrestle with, however, is the age old question; “What do you believe?” The book of 1st Peter exhorts the believer to know what they believe and fight viciously to stand for what is good, right, and true. Yet the point is not knowledge for the sake of knowledge, it is knowledge for the sake of standing firm against the troubles and difficulties this world presents to those of the faith. Modern day Christianity has settled for simply feeling confident rather than actual confidence. This misguided emotional base gives a false confidence when presented against actual disagreement to the faith. Studying what we believe is not only the duty of the Christian, but our joy to delve into the mind of our creator, Lord, and Heavenly Father.
The Apostles’ Creed guides the conversation by limiting itself to the essentials of the faith. These topics are typically referred to as the primary doctrines of the church, that have developed on the shoulders of the saints who came before us. We wrestle with the wording to understanding the scriptures by utilizing the framework of the creeds and proclaiming our faith through our understanding. What we believe is a matter of faith and faith must be expressed if it is to demonstrate its importance in our life. Our lives reflect the implications of our belief. Thus, the question of what we believe becomes hugely important. Exploring the theology of our beliefs should be approached with a sense of fun and like Lewis and Clark’s trek through the uncharted land. We explore and ask what we believe and the faith we hold true.
