What is a Creed?
Like many words in our English vocabulary, the term “creed” has its roots in the now nearly-extinct language of Latin. And, like many words that come from Latin, few people have studied their background or fully understand their significance.
Simply put, “creed” comes from “credo,” which is Latin for “I believe.”
Creeds are not unique to the Lutheran Church. For most of the past sixteen centuries or so, Christians worldwide expressed their beliefs through several of these creeds which were deemed to be fairly concise statements of faith that were common to all. In fact, there are three creeds known as ecumenical or universal creeds: the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed.
As the Lutheran Church came into being during the period known as the Reformation, these already-ancient creeds – along with a further series of positions put forth in writing by Martin Luther – formed the foundation of the Protestant movement that exists to this day. Though many churches have stopped using creeds as part of regular worship services, we believe they are nevertheless beautiful in their expression of Biblical truth, and we continue to include the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed into our live weekly services at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church in Green Bay.
You will notice that each creed is made up of three paragraphs (also known as articles) and that a familiar pattern exists. The first paragraph is a statement of faith regarding God the Father. The second, about God the Son – our Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, the third paragraph in each creed speaks of God the Holy Spirit, as well as basic beliefs clarifying issues of forgiveness from sin, the resurrection, and eternal life in heaven for all – and only – believers in Christ.
The Apostles’ Creed
Passed down by oral tradition, exact origin unknown.
First printed references in letters from 4th century A.D.
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 quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
* For further or deeper study, read Luther’s breakdown and explanation of this beautiful creed.
The Nicene Creed
Meeting of several hundred early-church leaders
May 20, 325 A.D. in Nicaea (present-day Iznik in Turkey)
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Beautiful, indeed.