Apostle’s Creed: I believe.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
1. The Doctrine of Faith (“I believe”)
This opening phrase is more than a declaration; it’s a confession of trust and a personal commitment. The word believe goes beyond intellectual agreement; it involves faith that transforms the heart and life (Romans 10:9-10). This faith rests not on feelings or human wisdom but on the revelation of God’s Word. In saying “I believe,” the believer aligns himself with the truth of God, submitting to His authority and staking his life on His promises (Hebrews 11:1). It involves both trust and obedience (James 2:17).
- This emphasizes personal faith: Not merely intellectual agreement, but a deep trust and conviction.
2. The Doctrine of God (“in God”)
The creed immediately centers belief on God; not just any god, but the one true and living God revealed in Scripture. This declaration echoes the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4). This God is eternal (Isaiah 40:28), self-existent (Exodus 3:14), and unchanging (Malachi 3:6). He is not an abstract force or distant deity but the personal God who reveals Himself and invites humanity into covenant relationship.
- The creed declares belief in the one true God, who is self-existent, eternal, and sovereign. This God is personal, knowable, and revealed in Scripture.
3. The Doctrine of the Fatherhood of God (“the Father”)
Calling God Father is profoundly revelatory. It speaks not only of His relationship to the Son (John 1:14) but also of His loving care and authority over His people, Romans 8:15. As Father, God provides, protects, disciplines, and guides (Matthew 6:9; Hebrews 12:6-7). Yet this Fatherhood is also a reminder of God’s sovereign authority; He is not just a nurturing parent but the one who commands obedience and reverence (Malachi 1:6). Through Christ, believers are adopted as sons and daughters (Galatians 4:4-6), making this a statement of intimacy and grace.
- God is called Father both in His eternal relationship to the Son and in His tender care for believers. This affirms God’s love, provision, and authority.
4. The Doctrine of God’s Omnipotence (“almighty”)
The title almighty (El Shaddai) reveals God’s unlimited power and supreme authority over all creation, Jeremiah 32:17. He is the God who speaks and worlds come into being (Psalm 33:9), who sustains all things by His word (Hebrews 1:3), and for whom nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37). Yet His might is not arbitrary; it’s always guided by His wisdom, justice, and love. Believing in an almighty God means trusting that He is able to fulfill every promise, overcome every enemy, and accomplish His perfect will (Isaiah 46:9-10).
- God’s almightiness means He is all-powerful and sovereign over creation, history, and salvation. Nothing is beyond His control or ability.
5. The Doctrine of Creation (“creator of heaven and earth”)
This statement proclaims God as the origin and sustainer of all things; visible and invisible (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16). He creates ex nihilo (out of nothing) by His powerful word (Hebrews 11:3). As Creator, He owns and rules His creation (Psalm 24:1) and establishes its purpose and order. This also speaks of God’s ongoing involvement; He didn’t merely create and step back; He upholds and directs the universe toward His intended end (Acts 17:24-28). The beauty and complexity of creation reflect His glory (Psalm 19:1), and the reality of creation calls humanity to worship and accountability.
- God is the Creator ex nihilo (out of nothing) of all things visible and invisible. This shows His authority, wisdom, and ownership over creation.
The Spiritual Impact of This Creedal Statement:
This first statement of the Apostle’s Creed is not just theological; it’s deeply transformative. It calls believers to:
- Faith and Trust: To believe in God’s existence, power, and goodness even when circumstances seem uncertain.
- Reverence and Worship: To stand in awe of the Almighty Creator who made heaven and earth and yet calls us His children.
- Obedience and Submission: To live under the authority of a sovereign Father who knows and wills what is best for His creation.
- Hope and Assurance: To rest in the knowledge that the God who created and sustains all things is fully able to keep His promises and bring His plans to fulfillment.
Together, this statement affirms a personal faith in the one true God who is Father, sovereign, and Creator; establishing the foundation for all Christian belief and worship.
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