What Is the Apostles’ Creed?
How an ancient confession of faith still unites—and challenges—the Church today
What do Christians really believe? With so many denominations, doctrines, and disagreements today, it’s a question that seems harder to answer than ever. And yet, for nearly two thousand years, countless believers across the globe have stood and spoken the same simple words:
“I believe in God, the Father Almighty…”
These words are the opening of the Apostles’ Creed—a brief but profound summary of the Christian faith. Though not written by the apostles themselves, this creed was shaped by their teaching and served as a baptismal confession in the early Church. It continues to be recited in churches today from Africa to Europe, from cathedrals to living rooms.
But why does this ancient text matter now? And what truths—or dangers—might we discover in the history and theology behind it?
📜 1. The Story Behind the Apostles’ Creed
Origins in the Early Church
Despite the name, the Apostles’ Creed was not directly penned by the apostles. Instead, it developed over the first few centuries of Christianity as a faithful summary of apostolic teaching. Its roots trace back to what was known as the Old Roman Symbol—a baptismal formula used in Rome as early as the second century.
This formula helped new believers articulate their faith before baptism. In an era when Christianity was illegal and often misunderstood, having a clear, concise confession was essential for both unity and protection. It taught the essentials of the gospel and guarded against heresies.
Gradual Development
Over time, the Roman Symbol evolved. Key additions were made to clarify the Church’s stance against false teachings such as Gnosticism (which denied Christ’s real humanity) and Docetism (which taught that Jesus only appeared to suffer and die).
By the 4th century, the creed had largely taken its current form. It was called “apostolic” not because the apostles wrote it, but because it faithfully reflected their teaching and the early Church’s witness.
Why It Spread
The Apostles’ Creed became especially popular in the Western Church—particularly among Latin-speaking Christians in Rome, North Africa, Gaul, and beyond. It was used to:
- Teach new converts
- Affirm orthodoxy
- Unite diverse churches in one faith
Though Eastern Orthodox churches typically use the longer Nicene Creed, the Apostles’ Creed remains central in the West to this day.
📖 2. Walking Through the Creed: Line by Line
Let’s examine the Apostles’ Creed, section by section, and explore the deep biblical truths behind each phrase.
🔹 “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.”
This first line affirms monotheism—there is one God—and confesses Him as both Father and Almighty, the source of all things seen and unseen (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 45:18; Matthew 6:9).
To call Him “Father” reveals His personal care and covenant love, while “Almighty” affirms His sovereignty and power.
🔹 “I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord…”
This is the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus is not just a teacher or prophet—He is the Messiah (Christ), Son of God, and Lord (John 1:1–14; Philippians 2:6–11).
To call Him “our Lord” is to surrender—not just admire.
🔹 “…who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary…”
This affirms both the divine and human nature of Christ. The virgin birth (Luke 1:26–35) was a miracle of the Spirit, fulfilling prophecy (Isaiah 7:14). Jesus is fully God, yet fully man.
🔹 “…suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried…”
The creed grounds Christ’s death in real history. He suffered, not as an idea or myth, but in flesh and blood under a Roman governor (Matthew 27).
His death was real—a substitutionary sacrifice for sin (Isaiah 53; Romans 5:8).
🔹 “He descended to the dead.”
This line (sometimes translated “descended into hell”) affirms that Jesus truly experienced death. Some traditions interpret it as His victory proclamation to the spirits in prison (1 Peter 3:18–20), while others see it as simply affirming the reality of His burial.
🔹 “On the third day He rose again…”
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian hope (1 Corinthians 15). Jesus conquered death and proved that His sacrifice was accepted by God.
🔹 “…He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father…”
This celebrates Christ’s exaltation (Acts 1:9–11; Ephesians 1:20–21). He reigns now as King and intercedes for His people.
🔹 “…He will come to judge the living and the dead.”
Christ will return (Revelation 22:12). His judgment will be righteous, final, and unavoidable. Every knee will bow—some to salvation, others to condemnation.
🔹 “I believe in the Holy Spirit…”
The Creed moves now to the Spirit—the Lord, the giver of life (John 14:16–17). The Spirit indwells, guides, empowers, and sanctifies every believer.
🔹 “…the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints…”
Here, “catholic” means universal—the true Church across time and space, united in Christ. The “communion of saints” is the shared life and fellowship among all believers.
🔹 “…the forgiveness of sins…”
Forgiveness is at the core of the gospel (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9). It is not earned, but received by grace through faith in Jesus.
🔹 “…the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.”
Christian hope is bodily and eternal (Romans 8:11; Revelation 21). We look not only for spiritual salvation but for a new creation—a future where death is no more.
🔍 3. Discernment: Biblical Foundations and Theological Balance
What Truths Are Preserved?
The Apostles’ Creed protects the non-negotiables of the Christian faith:
- The Trinity (Father, Son, Spirit)
- The deity and humanity of Christ
- The crucifixion and resurrection
- Forgiveness of sins
- Eternal life and judgment
It serves as a theological compass, guarding against heresy, grounding worship, and centering our faith on the gospel.
Any Concerns or Cautions?
While the Creed is profoundly biblical, it must always be read in light of Scripture, not as a replacement for it.
Some debates include:
- The phrase “descended to the dead/hell” can be misunderstood if not explained carefully.
- The term “catholic Church” is often misread as “Roman Catholic”—when it actually means “universal Church.”
The Creed doesn’t cover everything (e.g., justification by faith, the authority of Scripture)—but it doesn’t claim to. It highlights essentials, not exhaustives.
🌍 4. Lasting Impact: Why It Still Shapes the Church
For centuries, the Apostles’ Creed has been used to:
- Unite diverse believers around a shared confession
- Instruct new converts and children
- Strengthen churches amid persecution or error
Martin Luther called it “a shield and wall” for the Church. Even today, in a world of confusion and compromise, it helps us anchor to ancient truth.
In ecumenical gatherings, the Creed reminds us: there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:5).
🪞 5. Reflection: What Should We Learn or Repent Of?
Have we forgotten what we confess?
In a time when Christian identity is often vague, cultural, or compromised, the Apostles’ Creed calls us back to clarity. It’s not just something we recite—it’s something we live by.
- Do we really believe Jesus is Lord?
- Are we longing for His return?
- Are we living as forgiven, Spirit-filled saints?
This Creed is not a box to check—it’s a mirror. And it should lead us to worship, obedience, and gospel courage.
📣 6. Walking Forward in Truth
Why This Still Matters
In a divided, distracted, and doctrinally drifting age, the Apostles’ Creed invites us to return to the core of the faith:
Not a new message.
Not a trendy slogan.
But the ancient gospel of the living Christ.
Let us not merely admire the Creed. Let us believe it, proclaim it, and live it—with joy, clarity, and unshakable hope in Jesus Christ.