Why should Creeds be used today? (Part 3 of 3)

By Jared Lidgerwood

Previously we have looked at why we have the Apostles’ Creed and then how the creeds (in general) help to protect the life-giving Gospel. In this post we consider why Christians should use the creeds.

Why do Christians recite creeds in our public meetings?

In the reformed tradition, there are three creeds which are often used: The Apostles’ Creed, The Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed. Each are a helpful summary of what Christian believe and each focus on slightly different aspects of theology. The Apostles’ Creed is the shortest and has three sections (Father Son and Spirit) spending the most time describing Jesus Christ as Son and Lord. The Nicene Creed follows the same threefold structure but gives a more detailed summary of what Christians believe, focussing on the nature of each person of the Godhead. An earlier version of this creed was formulated during the Council of Nicaea in 325AD. The Athanasian Creed is by far the longest and focuses on affirming both the Trinitarian nature of the uncreated and co-equal members of the Godhead and the Christological significance of the dual nature of Christ (fully God and fully man). It is thought to have been formulated in late 5th or early 6th century AD.

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How do the creeds protect the Life-giving Gospel? (Part 2 of 3)

by Jared Lidgerwood

Previously we have looked at why the Christian church has the Apostles’ Creed. We now turn our attention to consider how the creeds (generally) protect the life-giving gospel.

As the early Christian church busily set about establishing new churches they proclaimed the gospel – spreading the news about a treasure that offered forgiveness from God the Father; promised life, both new and eternal in the Son; and gave a clear understanding through the Holy Spirit. It was the apostles who led the charge and took this life-giving gospel out to the nations – telling people, travelling, sometimes under persecution, and never keeping quiet. Within a single generation the gospel message had been proclaimed all over the Mediterranean, Asia Minor, North Africa and into Europe.

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Why do we have the Apostles Creed? (Part 1 of 3)

by Jared Lidgerwood

Christians around the world, of various denominations, and across the ages, have at times recited the Apostles’ Creed – a wonderful statement of the Christian faith. Where did we get the Apostles’ Creed? Why do we have it?

Let’s think about the beginning of the Christian church. Jesus Christ gathered a small group of Jews, and called them to be his disciples. For three years they followed, they listened, they watched, they learnt. But their ‘movement’ came to an abrupt end when Jesus was arrested and executed; hung on a cross on the outskirts of Jerusalem by the occupying Roman government. That would have been the end, except that Jesus didn’t stay dead: he rose from the dead, regathered his disciples, and told them this:

All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matt 28:18-20)

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