This Lenten season we are going to be focusing on the Apostles’ Creed. The Apostles’ Creed is a statement of belief. “I believe,” are the opening words of this creed. The Apostles’ Creed is a brief statement that outlines the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. In spite of the name it was not written by the Apostles, but it reflects what the Apostles taught. It is a very brief summarization and broad survey of apostolic doctrine. It is Trinitarian in that it affirms God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is not comprehensive in that it does not cover all aspects of Christian doctrine, but everything it covers is vital to our Christian faith and is common among all Christians. The Apostles’ Creed is THE most common statement of faith among all churches across the world.
The Apostles’ Creed was written around the year 120 to combat a number of false doctrines or heresies arising in the early Church. Some in the early church were saying Jesus was only a Spirit, not really a human being. Others were saying Jesus was merely a human who became a god at his baptism. There were some who were saying Jesus’ resurrection was simply a myth. Others were debating the nature of the Holy Spirit. The Apostles’ Creed was written to combat false doctrine and beliefs of the early Church.
But that doesn’t mean the Apostles’ Creed has nothing for us today. Certainly, it is a central element of worship as United Methodist Christians, but more so, it both educates and defines us as Christians.
The Apostles' Creed teaches us about our core beliefs. We believe in an Almighty, Creating, and Loving God. We believe in Jesus Christ and affirm that He was crucified and resurrected and will one day judge the world. We believe in the Holy Spirit as known through the universal Church, the resurrection of the dead, and the forgiveness of sins. These are essential beliefs as Christians.
But the Creed also defines us as Christians. Because of the doctrines in the Apostles' Creed we are to live differently. Because we believe in an Almighty God we can live life with confidence, knowing that God is somehow mysteriously in charge. Because we believe in Jesus Christ we can live without fear of dying because we believe as Christ was raised we too will be raised. Because we believe in the Holy Spirit we know we are not alone in the world and that God is as close to us as our heart.
The Apostles’ Creed is more than just a collection of ancient doctrinal statements. The Apostles’ Creed is a living, breathing statement that both informs us and defines us as Christians. Make sure you join us at OKC First Church during this season of Lent as we study, learn about, and daily live The Apostles’ Creed.
Pastor Lesly
