The Apostles’ Creed is the one text of the three within the ancient catechism that is not in Scripture. This brings up all kinds of questions for many modern Christians: What do we do with it? Should we give it the authority that Scripture has? Is it really necessary for the Christian life?

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In this introduction to the Apostles’ Creed we discuss what it is, what its relationship to Scripture is, and its trinitarian structure.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, 

    creator of heaven and earth; 

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 

    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit 

        and born of the Virgin Mary. 

    He suffered under Pontius Pilate, 

        was crucified, died, and was buried. 

    He descended to the dead. 

    On the third day he rose again. 

    He ascended into heaven, 

        and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 

    He will come again 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.

Here are a couple of the books I relied on this week:

* Robert Jenson, Canon and Creed (This is one of the best books I’ve read on the relationship between the canon of Scripture and creed. It can be challenging at times, but well-worth the effort.)

* Ben Myers, The Apostles’ Creed

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