WHAT WE BELIEVE
If someone were to ask you, “What do you believe?”, how would you answer?
It’s not easy to summarize the Bible and agree on all matters of faith. At Grace, we are a community of diverse believers, but despite any differences we may have in the interpretation of scripture, the practice of faith, or the style of worship, we proclaim a common creed (set of beliefs) in all our Sunday services. The Apostles’ Creed is a unifying statement that binds us together as one Body,
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:4-6
The Apostles' Creed
The Apostles' Creed developed because the early church needed to "codify" their beliefs about the nature of Jesus. An abbreviated statement of belief developed in the first century, and by the 8th century, the Apostles' Creed in its current form emerged. Today, the Apostles' Creed is used by Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Presbyterians, and Methodists. Below is the ecumenical version found in the United Methodist Hymnal. Reading the Bible references will help you understand what we believe as Christians.
Let's look at the Creed by sections, which are thematic.
Section 1 - The Trinity
This section emphasizes the nature of God, one in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
God is the creator and sustainer of life.
Genesis 1:1, Psalm 90:2
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah.
Matthew 16:16, John 13:13
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
The Spirit is the mysterious power bringing about the birth of Jesus.
Luke 1:35
Section 2 - Jesus
This section highlights the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
born of the Virgin Mary,
The birth of Jesus is a miracle, and Mary is God's servant.
Luke 1:26-35
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Pontius Pilate, a Roman governor, relented to the religious leaders and the crowd, and imposed the crucifixion.
Luke 23:13-25
was crucified, died, and was buried;
Jesus died upon a Roman cross, and was buried in a tomb.
Luke 23:44-53
he descended to the dead.
Jesus has the power to even save the dead.
Ephesians 4:9, 1 Peter 4:6
On the third day he rose again;
All four gospels tell of Jesus' resurrection, God's victory over sin and death.
Mark 16, Matthew 28, Luke 24, John 20
he ascended into heaven,
is seated at the right hand of the Father,
Jesus is raised to a position of authority.
Philippians 2:5-11
and will come again to judge
the living and the dead.
Jesus is the ultimate judge; we are not.
1 Peter 4:5, Acts 17:31, Matthew 7:1-5
Section 3 - Summary
This section is a summary of major Christian beliefs.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The Holy Spirit is God's presence and power within us.
John 14:25-26, Acts 1:8
the holy catholic* church,
*universal
The church is a universal body used by God for his work.
Acts 2:42-47, 1 Corinthians 12:12-28
the communion of saints,
The communion of saints is a community, where there is love and care.
Acts 20:28, Colossians 3:12-17
the forgiveness of sins,
Through Jesus, we receive forgiveness and are called to offer it to others.
1 John 1:9, Mark 11:25
the resurrection of the body
Jesus was resurrected in bodily form.
John 20:24-28
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Jesus promised believers that they too would receive resurrection and live forever with God.
John 11:25-26, John 14:1-3, John 3:16
