Believing
The Apostles’ Creed affirms the fundamental truths of Christianity, beginning with faith in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. This triune God is loving, holy, and near to us as Father, fully revealed in Jesus Christ. Through the creeds, the Church maintains its faithful doctrine and clearly proclaims who God is and what He has done for humanity.
The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
“I Believe in God”
"Credo" means I believe; it is an ancient and communal confession of faith.
It serves to test our doctrine against historic Christianity.
It connects us with the apostolic tradition and the orthodox teaching of the Church.
We affirm that there is only one true God — not several, not divine hierarchies.
Deuteronomy 6:4 – The Shema: “The Lord is one.”
God is one being in essence, composed of three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
This is the doctrine of the Trinity: unity without a plurality of gods.
The Character of God
God is love and He is also holy.
His holiness separates Him from creation; His love draws Him near to it.
Exodus 34:6–7 shows His compassion and justice.
If we reject His mercy, only His justice remains.
“Father Almighty”
Father:
We call God “Father” because Jesus taught us to pray that way.
The Trinity is a family: Father, Son, and Spirit.
Ephesians 3:14–17: The Father strengthens us with power through the Spirit, so that Christ may dwell in us.
Romans 8:15: we have been adopted as children, therefore we cry out “Abba, Father!”
Almighty:
Omnipotent: He can do all things – Mark 10:27
Omniscient: He knows all things – 1 John 3:20
Omnipresent: He is everywhere – Proverbs 15:3
“Creator of Heaven and Earth”
Genesis 1:1 – God created time, matter, space, and everything that exists.
Everything God created was exceedingly good – Genesis 1:31.
Evil arises from the misuse of something good (e.g., sex, communication, life).
Sin entered through the free will of man – Genesis 3.
Romans 8:28: God even redeems what is twisted for His purpose.
