The Power of Confession
Embracing the Apostles' Creed in Modern Faith
In a world of shifting beliefs and relativism, what does it mean to truly have faith? How can we anchor ourselves in timeless truths while living in a rapidly changing culture? These questions lead us to explore the profound importance of creeds in Christian faith, particularly the Apostles' Creed.
Many believers today shy away from creeds, concerned they might add human words to God's Word or lead to empty ritualism. Some worry that adopting creeds could water down their convictions or associate them with traditions they've moved away from. However, a closer look reveals that creeds serve vital functions in preserving and proclaiming the Christian faith.
Creeds help define what is true in an age of uncertainty. They offer concise statements of objective truth rooted in Scripture, answering the fundamental question: "What do Christians actually believe?" The Apostles' Creed, for instance, opens with "I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth," anchoring faith in the reality of one sovereign God who created all things.
Throughout history, creeds have also served to correct error. The Apostles' Creed clarified orthodox belief against Gnosticism, while the Nicene Creed defended Christ's deity against Arianism. By reciting creeds, we not only affirm truth but also actively reject falsehoods that threaten the integrity of the faith.
Moreover, creeds provide rules and standards for God's people. The word "creed" comes from the Latin "credo," meaning "I believe." It's not merely an intellectual exercise but a covenantal act, binding believers together in shared allegiance. Creeds function as a rule of faith, setting boundaries for orthodoxy and guiding worship and discipleship.
Perhaps most powerfully, creeds connect us to our heritage. When we recite the Apostles' Creed, we join voices with Christians across centuries and continents. It's a reminder that our faith is not new or culturally manufactured but the church's ancient, global, and historical faith. As Hebrews 12:1 reminds us, a great cloud of witnesses surrounds us, and the creed allows us to echo their enduring testimony.
But why is this public confession so crucial? The Apostle Paul gives us insight in Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This verse reveals that Christian faith is not a vague spirituality, but a public confession of revealed truth coupled with personal trust in God's promises.
In the first-century Roman world, declaring "Jesus is Lord" was a radical act of defiance against the empire's demand for ultimate allegiance. Today, we may not face pressure to declare "Caesar is Lord," but our culture pushes us to confess allegiance to money, success, personal freedom, or political ideologies. To confess Jesus as Lord remains countercultural, declaring that He alone defines truth and deserves our ultimate obedience.
The Apostles' Creed helps us make this bold confession. It doesn't allow for vague declarations of belief in a generic god. Instead, it requires us to confess specifically in God the Father Almighty, in Jesus Christ His only Son, and in the Holy Spirit. It outlines the key events of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, echoing the clarity and courage Paul called for in Romans 10.
However, public confession is only half of the equation. Paul emphasizes that saving faith is also deeply personal: "believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead." This is not a call for vague belief in God's existence – even demons believe and shudder (James 2:19). Rather, it's a call to take God at His word, trusting that He has acted in history to fulfill His promises.
Believing in the resurrection isn't just accepting a miracle from long ago. It's trusting that God has accepted Christ's sacrifice on our behalf, securing eternal life for those who trust in Him. This kind of faith means entrusting ourselves fully to the God who raised Jesus, convinced that His promises are true, His power is sufficient, and His word never fails.
The Apostles' Creed guides us into this specific, saving faith. It leads us to confess not just that there is a God, but that He is the Father Almighty and Creator. Not just that Jesus existed, but that He is God's only Son, our Lord. Not just that He died, but that He was crucified, buried, and rose again on the third day.
So, what does this mean for our faith today? First, we must examine our faith. Have we truly believed in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead? Have we confessed it openly with our mouths? Do we trust that God's promises are true, that Christ's cross was for us, and that His resurrection is our only hope for eternal life?
Second, we must confess our faith. If Jesus is Lord, we can't hide it. We should confess Him openly – in baptism, in worship, and in everyday conversations. Our faith may be personal, but it cannot be private.
Finally, we must live out our confession. Saying "Jesus is Lord" is more than words – it's a commitment of allegiance. It means allowing Jesus to define our priorities, values, and obedience. Every rival claim – money, career, family, politics, hobbies – must bow before the throne of Christ.
The Apostles' Creed offers a powerful anchor in a world of uncertainty and shifting values. It connects us to the historical faith, guards us against error, and guides us in making the bold confession that Jesus is Lord. As we embrace this creed, may we find our faith strengthened, our witness emboldened, and our lives increasingly aligned with the transforming truth of the gospel.
