Why the Apostles’ Creed? History of the Apostles’ Creed Significance of the Apostles’ Creed A Rubric for the Creed Beginning of the Apostles’ Creed

History of the Apostles’ Creed  Creed literally means – “I believe”  Man has a long history of the need to be reminded what he believes.  Judges 21:25 says it all. Why the Apostles’ Creed?

Judges 21:25 (NASB) 25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

History of the Apostles’ Creed  Creed literally means – “I believe”  Man has a long history of the need to be reminded what he believes.  Judges 21:25 says it all.  God gave many examples in the Old Testament.  Jesus came to fulfill the Law!  Hence, we needed a way to keep the important things of the Gospel message front and center. Why the Apostles’ Creed?

History of the Apostles’ Creed  The idea of a creed was developed from the questions asked at baptism.  Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?  Do you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again?  Do you believe He died to take away your sin?  Are you trusting Jesus Christ and Him alone as your Savior?  Do you wish to be baptized and live for Him? Why the Apostles’ Creed?

History of the Apostles’ Creed  The Apostles’ Creed became a formal statement of faith in the early Church to:  Help the early Church distinguish truth from error  Provide a basis for fighting against heresy  Provide a basis for Christian fellowship  Assure consistent teaching among all the churches Why the Apostles’ Creed?

History of the Apostles’ Creed  What we know about the Apostles’ Creed  Very old – as early as 120 A.D.  It was not written by the Apostles but rather a summary of what they taught as doctrine.  It was brief (imagine that), yet inclusive.  God centered and Trinitarian  Selective – major doctrines  Easy to memorize Why the Apostles’ Creed?

Significance of the Apostles’ Creed  The Word of God always comes first.  We do not preach Creed but instead Creed is used to preach the Bible.  Creed has no authority; Scripture has all authority.  Creed is a reflection of Scripture.  Illustration of Sun and Moon Why the Apostles’ Creed?

Significance of the Apostles’ Creed  The Word of God always comes first.  You are what you believe!  Your beliefs dictate your behavior!  Romans 1:16-17; 10:9-10 Why the Apostles’ Creed?

Romans 1:16-17 (NASB) 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “B UT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

Romans 10:9-10 (NASB) 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

Significance of the Apostles’ Creed  The Word of God always comes first.  You are what you believe!  Your beliefs dictate your behavior!  Romans 1:16-17; 10:9-10  Theology leads to Doxology.  Illustration of road maps  CREED GIVES US THE BIG PICTURE! NOT ALL THAT WE BELIEVE, BUT NEVER LESS! Why the Apostles’ Creed?

A Rubric for the Creed  Creed is for:  Continuity – as Christians  Clarity – on essential doctrines  Community – informing who we are, who we belong to, and how we relate to  Counsel – informing ourselves and others what the Scripture says and how to apply it Why the Apostles’ Creed?

Beginning of the Apostles’ Creed  “I believe”  It does not mean to know something.  It does not mean to have a hunch.  It does not refer to a settled fact.  It means to believe into something or someone – a complete trust even with the unknown.  You know in your mind – understanding  You know in your heart – belief  Belief drives the actions of your life! Why the Apostles’ Creed?

Beginning of the Apostles’ Creed  “I believe in God”  The Bible assumes God exists.  In Philosophers’ terms “Properly Basic”  Basic Declaration – God is the central fact of the universe.  Logical Implication – God is Creator of all existence.  This truth is made known to all – Romans 1: Why the Apostles’ Creed?

Romans 1:18-20 (NASB) 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NASB) 11 He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. Pascal said, “inside the heart of every man is a God shaped vacuum.” Augustine put it this way, “O Lord you have made us for yourself. Our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.”

Beginning of the Apostles’ Creed  “I believe in God”  God reveals Himself to us in Nature.  God reveals Himself in the Human Heart.  God reveals Himself to us in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Why the Apostles’ Creed?

Beginning of the Apostles’ Creed  “I believe in God the Father Almighty”  There is a great contrast here that is significant.  God is our Father – Luke 11: Why the Apostles’ Creed?

Luke 11:11-13 (NASB) 11 Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Beginning of the Apostles’ Creed  “I believe in God the Father Almighty”  There is a great contrast here that is significant.  God is our Father – Luke 11:  God is the Almighty – infinitely powerful.  God is personal!  God is infinitely powerful!  At the same time! Why the Apostles’ Creed?