For centuries, The Apostles’ Creed has served as a unifying statement of faith for Christians. Though scholars have not identified the actual author, this creed captures the essence of the orthodox Christian faith as given to us by the apostles. The apostolic witness, the teaching of the original apostles (minus Judas, add Mathias), is essential. The twelve were the ones who heard what Jesus taught, saw what he did, witnessed the risen Christ, and Jesus sent to preach the gospel to the world. All subsequent Christian teaching must be based on the witness of the original apostles. While the early church used ancient creedal formulas, Christians have agreed since the ninth century A.D. that The Apostles’ Creed in its present form gives us the most succinct expression of apostolic teaching. Anyone claiming to be a Christian can agree with its content. It has been said that “elements of The Apostles’ Creed are found in summaries of the faith by early Christian writers, with some lines matching word for word.”¹ It is also the creed that is used most often in worship.
Most importantly, The Apostles’ Creed is consistent with Scripture. It is structured around the biblical truth that we know God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which we call the Trinity. The creed begins with the assertion that God as Father is the Creator. The central part of the creed focuses on Jesus Christ, our Savior, God’s Son, born of Mary. Jesus’ redeeming work through crucifixion, leading to resurrection, is followed by the expectation that Jesus will return to judge all things. This creed concludes with the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
Regarding Christian unity, this description of the work of the Holy Spirit is significant. The phrase “holy catholic church” is a profound statement. Some Christians erroneously object to this because they assume it means “Roman Catholic Church.” The word “catholic,” small “c,” is a perfectly good english word. It means universal. “Roman Catholic Church,” with a capital “C,” is a particular subdivision of Christians. The creed says that all Christians, past
and present, from every nation and ethnic background, are bonded together by our common faith in Jesus Christ, which transcends all denominational distinctions. Though we might have differences regarding church life and practice, our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior binds all Christians together as one church, at least in Jesus’ eyes. The phrase “the communion of saints” reinforces this. Whenever I read that phrase, I am moved by the thought that I have brothers and sisters in faith all around the world whom I have never met, but if I ever do, there
should be an instant bond!
Those who have accompanied me to Israel for the Holy Land pilgrimages have experienced this on several occasions. Some of us in particular, remember walking in Capernaum and encountering a whole group of Christians from Nigeria. I approached them and inquired where they were from and who was their pastor. Within minutes, I was praying with the pastor, and his group began singing to us and dancing with some of our members! We had never met before and may never see them again this side of heaven, but it doesn’t matter. In that moment, we recognized that we are family in the Lord. The truth expressed in The Apostles’ Creed certainly is a basis for unity among the Lord’s people!
by Pastor Steven Grant
