Sleaford New Life Church

The Apostles' Creed

"I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
and 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, dead and buried, descended into hell, on the third day rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence He will come to judge the living and the dead;
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic (universal) church, the communion of saints, the remission of sins, the resurrection of the flesh, and eternal life. Amen."

History / Origin

A creed is a statement of Christian belief used by churches, both Catholic & Protestant.

An early version of what became the Apostles' Creed was used as early as the 2nd Century.

The first known occurrence of the Apostle's Creed can be traced to the 8th Century.

The Creed represents an excellent summary of the Christian faith. Our first challenge is to ask ourselves: do I believe the teachings of the Creed?

Are there any areas where I have doubts or reservations? If so, have I checked the teaching of the Bible to see the truth for myself or sought the help of others to do so?

Why to we need a Creed?

- To indicate what we believe

- To help newcomers understand and believe the truths contained within it

- To affirm our faith and our part in the community of faith

- To unite with Christians in the past, present and future

Christianity is a personal experience, but not a private one. (Jude 1:3, 1 Peter 3:15)

Relevance of the Creed

- Helps avoid repeating our mistakes in arguing over controversial ideas

- Helps define our faith and avoid wrong belief

- Declares our faith irrespective of denomination or church

- Helps to concentrate on Jesus

- Helps prioritise the unchanging truth of God's word

The Creed contains "the basics" we need to accept, believe and live if we are to call ourselves Christians.

Oneness Shaping Lifestyle

All believers are converted by the same Holy Spirit, the same Bible and all experience the same work of God's grace.

Oneness is God's character breathed into people to enable us to behave more and more like Jesus when we relate to others.

To be one implies we agree on what it is we believe - which the Creed tells us. Our lifestyle should reflect the truths of the Creed and indicate our willingness to join with fellow believers in a common purpose, whatever their background.

Churches may have different practices but if they share the essential truths of faith as expressed in the Creed then we are one!