The Apostles' Creed - Pt. 1

 

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV).

 

Our reading today is written by the Apostle Paul somewhere near A.D. 70. It contains what most theologians believe to be the first “creed” of the Christian Church (cf. bold italics). Additionally most believe this creed can be found in writings and papyri as early as A.D. 30-35. It is more correctly known as “the Apostles’ Creed.” However, for many Christians over the centuries, the “Apostles’ Creed” is a reference to the Nicene Creed. The latter of these two has been the clear, concise answer replacing the more simplistic creed of our text. Whether we are new to the faith or have been Christians as long as we can remember, these words beautifully summarize the rich truths we hold so dear.

 

The Nicene Creed, also called the Nicaeno-Constantinopolitan Creed, is a statement of the orthodox faith of the early Christian church in opposition to certain heresies, especially Arianism. These heresies, which disturbed the church during the fourth century, concerned the doctrine of the trinity and of the person of Christ. In its present form this creed goes back partially to the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325) with additions by the Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381). It was accepted in its present form at the Council of Chalcedon in A.D.451. For the next few days we will look at the Bible’s teaching through the Nicene Creed. This brief statement of faith covers the main themes of the Bible’s teaching, all of which point to God’s gift of forgiveness and new life forever through Jesus Christ. In case you are not familiar with it, I have reproduced it as follows:

 

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 and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there 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.

 

The temptation to see this creed as a Roman Catholic prayer should be resisted. It is a statement of essential beliefs for the believer in Jesus Christ. As we will see in the coming days, it contains Scripturally affirmed truths that we would do well to understand and hold to in our beliefs. Spend a bit of time today meditating on the creed. Allow the Holy Spirit to use it to increase your understanding of this great grace God has given to us.