Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their
commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word
of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By
faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which
he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through
his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that
he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now
before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith
it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe
that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:1-6 ESV).
Sometimes we use the words I believe to
say that we agree with certain facts. For example, we might say, “I believe
that the earth is round.” But belief goes deeper than agreeing with facts.
With the words, “I believe in God,” we
are saying much more than that we agree with facts about God. Sure, we are
accepting the basic biblical truths about God’s existence. But when we say, “I
believe in God,” our hearts are involved as well. Our belief means trusting in
God, committing ourselves to God and his teaching for our lives, and following
and obeying God in what he says and where he leads. With the opening words of
the Apostles’ Creed, we affirm that we believe and trust in God himself.
Many believers throughout the centuries
have memorized the Apostles’ Creed—often by saying it again and again in
worship services. Sadly, though, our minds can wander when we repeat the creed
that way. So, it’s important to think about the words we are saying. The next
time you say the creed, be sure to say it as an expression of the truth and as
a commitment to following God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit with all
of your heart!
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