Introduction
I realize that many so-called Christians today are able to recite creeds containing biblically orthodox truth, even though they do not know the Lord personally. I myself used to be one of those people. For that reason, we evangelicals tend to diminish the value of sound doctrine and emphasize the relational aspects of the Christian walk. And I'll be the first one to say that you can know all the right things about the Lord, but if you don't know the Lord Himself, you've missed the most important part.
However, I don't necessarily think we should throw out the baby with the bath water either. Creed is simply a derivative of the Latin word "credo", meaning “I believe”. The early apostles and Church Fathers thought it was essential for every Christian to believe the basic tenets of the faith and be able to clearly state these eternal truths as well. If it was important to them, then it's important to me as well. As we raise our children in the nurture and the admonition of the Lord, these are the foundational truths we have already begun to teach our children.
Our beliefs must be based solely on the Word of God, not on traditions or the Church Fathers. However, where the Church Fathers and tradition agree with the Word of God, they confirm our beliefs. In each of the following sections, you will find the Scriptures upon which our beliefs are based. And where the Church Fathers agree with the Scriptures, I have included quotes from them as well.
With the increase of false doctrine sweeping the world today, may the Lord help us to heed the inspired words of the apostle Paul to young Timothy: “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Tim. 4:15,16).
Doctrines Taught in the Creed
The following links will take you to posts that explain each of the corresponding parts of the creed, based on Scripture and what the Church Fathers believed. The Church Fathers include those men who immediately followed the original apostles and often had direct contact with them, as well as others who lived during the early centuries after them.
We Believe in God, the Father Almighty
Creator of Heaven and Earth
Creator of Heaven and Earth: Angels
Creator of Heaven and Earth: Man
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 Went Down to the Dead, the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead
He Ascended into Heaven; Sits at the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty Wherefrom He Shall Come to Judge the Living and the Dead.
We Believe in the Holy Spirit
The Holy Apostolic Church
The Communion of Saints
The Forgiveness of Sins
The Resurrection of the Body
And Life Everlasting. Amen.
Attention DTS Students: DTS Students must click on each of the links above and read each of the posts at those links.
Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Other Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, unless otherwise noted. The Church Fathers writings are in the public domain and may be freely used and distributed.
Author's Note: You may also access my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.
Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus. Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15). He preached that we must repent and believe.
Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus. Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15). He preached that we must repent and believe.
Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International. He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.
