Background to Luther’s Explanation
In its most basic form, a creed is nothing more than a statement of what one believes. For example, at one point in our Lord’s ministry, a discussion had broken out among all the people of the region as to who Jesus really was. One day, Jesus was speaking with His disciples and Scripture records what happened next: “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'” (Matthew 15:15-16)
It doesn’t get any simpler than that.
In the Lutheran Church and elsewhere, the Apostle’s Creed is recognized as a brief and clear statement that is composed of what have become to be known as three “articles,” as follows:
ARTICLE ONE: CREATION – The Father
ARTICLE TWO: REDEMPTION – The Son, Jesus Christ
ARTICLE THREE: SANCTIFICATION – The Holy Spirit, forgiveness of sin, the resurrection, and eternity
Dr. Luther sought to clarify and illuminate these beautiful statements of faith in his Small Catechism. What follows are his short explanations, along with Bible verse references that form the foundation for each statement made, and that may be used for further thought and study.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
What does this mean? I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still preserves them; that He richly and daily provides me with food and clothing, home and family, property and goods, and all that I need to support this body and life; that He protects me from all danger, guards and keeps me from all evil; and all this purely out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I am in duty bound to thank and praise, to serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit; born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
What does this mean? I believe that Jesus Christ is true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary; and that He is my Lord, Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood, and with His innocent suffering and death; in order that I might be His own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness; even as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.
I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; just as He calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives me and all believers all our sins; and at the last day He will raise up me and all the dead, and will grant me and all believers in Christ eternal life. This is most certainly true.