A Creed for Christendom

“I believe in God the Father almighty,

I also believe in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord,
conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary.
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
crucified, dead and buried;
he descended into hell,
rose again the third day,
ascended into heaven,
sat down at the right hand of the Father,
thence he is to come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost,

the holy catholic[ universal] Church, the communion of saints,
the remission of sins,
the resurrection of the flesh and life eternal. Amen.”

“I believe in God the Father...”

Each Sunday morning all over the world various congregations recite as an affirmation of
faith what is known as The Apostles Creed. The term is somewhat of misnomer because the
original Apostles did not really write it. There is a legend going back to the fourth century to this
effect, but it is only a myth that the Twelve Apostles composed this Creed with each Apostle
contributing a thought. The best that can be said is that the Apostle's Creed developed little by little
during the third and fourth centuries and received its final form in the sixth and seventh centuries.
In the ninth century under the reign of Charlemagne, it became the official Creed of the West. What
then is the value of the Creed both historically and for today? Historically, the value of the Creed is
twofold.
First, a summary statement was necessary in order to defend the truth that Jesus and the
Apostles taught from heretics. The early Church fought many emotional and verbal battles to
protect such truths as salvation by grace through faith alone, the Deity of Christ, the virgin birth,
and the hypostatic union or that fact that Jesus is both God and man.
Second, a formula was needed in order to decide what was worth dying for in times of
persecution. It must not be forgotten that a large part of the early Church was not educated. A
multitude of slaves came to Christ. But even the common people must know what they believe.
Many things are not essential to the Christian faith and there is room for flexibility. Other things
cannot be denied. In studying the Creeds of Christendom, it must always be remembered that the
Bible is the only infallible rule of Christian faith and practice. Therefore, the authority of
confession of faith is relative in that there is on uniform interpretation subordinate to the Word,
limited in that a Creed cannot solve new theological crises.
The concept of a Creed, which literally means, "I believe!" is found in germ form in such
passages as Matthew 16:16. In time, as a person presented themselves for baptism churches were
constructing a threefold question as a prior condition of proper presentation.
  “Do you believe in God the Father?”

 “Do you believe in His Son Jesus Christ?”

 “And in the Holy Spirit?”

At the end of the second century, Christians throughout the Roman Empire had devised
baptismal ceremonies. Around AD 215 Saint Hippolytus wrote The Apostolic Tradition which
provides a rather clear description of customs regulating conduct of baptismal rites at Rome. The
candidate was questioned in the following manner:

1. “Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty?”

2. “Dost thou believe in Christ Jesus, the Son of God, Who was born of the Holy Spirit and the
Virgin Mary, Who was crucified in the days of Pontius Pilate, And died, And rose the third
day living from the dead, And ascended to the heavens, And sat down at the right hand of the
Father, and will come to judge the living and the dead?”

3. “Dost thou believe in the Holy Spirit, in the Holy Church, and the resurrection of the flesh?”

After each of these questions, the candidate responded, "I believe," and was baptized. Down
through the centuries God's people have been willing to state their Creed and we want to join them
in affirming that body of truth once and for all delivered to the saints and say, "I believe in God the
Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth...."
To believe in God is to recognize that beyond ourselves is that Being who is wholly other.
We affirm that we believe in God not merely about Him. The difference is experience. I believe
many things about the Grand Canyon but others have been there. The Creed calls for a daring
commitment to God. And God is called Father. The term "Father" speaks of creativeness, parental
care and concern (Matt. 5:45), special grace and intimacy that allows forgiveness (Psalm 103:10-
14). God is not some doting Father; rather He is the Almighty who is called El Shaddai (Gen. 17:1).
As the Almighty God He works all things after the counsel of His own will. Augustine said, "He is,
in a word, omnipotent to perform everything He wills." And He willed to make heaven and earth
(Acts 17:24). He created ex nihilo, out of nothing.

"And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord…"

By affirming belief in Jesus Christ (Luke 1:31; Matt. 1:21) two things are meant. First, the
Creed says that He is Savior for such is the very meaning of Jesus. Unlike military saviors such as
the successor of Moses, Jesus shall save His people from their sins. However, very much like a
military savior, the Lord had a definite objective in mind. He came to secure the salvation of His
people so that a definite redemption was accomplished and is now being applied to those who are
to be the heirs of salvation.
Second, we affirm that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. As God's Special Messenger, He
had come to proclaim the Good News of Luke 4:18.
 “We love the Name charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease.
He breaks the power of reigning sin;
He sets the prisoner free.”

The essential thing is to see Jesus not merely as an itinerant Teacher of remarkable gifts
(Luke 4:14) or a revolutionary Leader (Acts 5:34-39) but as the only Son of God. Josh McDowell is
correct when he says that Jesus Christ must either be a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. Of course all the
Apostles preached Jesus Christ as Lord. Every time Peter spoke he made this point (Acts 2:36): if
Jesus of Nazareth is risen from the dead, then He must be the Christ, the Messiah, God's Anointed
Messenger. Furthermore, the uniqueness of Christ is declared in that Jesus is the only Son of God.
Stress is laid upon Jesus being the only Son of God. The Apostles taught this unique relationship in
such passages as John 1:18, John 3:16 and 1 John 4:9. Let us say with Peter, "Truly You are the
Son of God." Matthew 14:33 or with the Ethiopian treasurer who confessed, "I believe that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God." Acts 8:37
Then, let us go on to say that Jesus Christ is our Lord. There is no separation of the
Lordship of Christ from His being Savior. Today, there is new, very disturbing and very dangerous
emphasis that denies the Lordship of Christ for salvation. That teaching must be rejected with all of
its implications.
Before the confession is stated that Jesus Christ is Lord, careful thought must be given to
the validity of the statement. Is He really Lord? Unfortunately it is possible to pay high respect to
Jesus without ever coming to grips with this essential matter. For example, in John 3:2,
Nicodemous said, “Rabbi, we know Thou art a teacher come from God.” To call Jesus a teacher
was to recognize that He was a qualified instructor, a dispenser of wisdom. Multitudes concede this
point readily. On the walls of institutions are recorded the words of Christ. But that is really not
enough.
Nor is it enough to call Jesus Rabbi. This title suggested unusual mental acumen. Many are
willing to take all the teachers of the world such as Lao-tse, Zoraster, Confucius, Mohammedan,
and Buddah, and above these places the name of Christ. But that is really not enough.
It is only when we take the word "Rabbi" and add the Hebrew suffix "oni” meaning "my
very only” that we have Jesus as Lord (Mark 10:51). The blind man said unto Him, Lord
[Rabboni], I want to receive my sight.
For Jesus to be Lord, there must be a submission of the body, will, and emotion to His
sovereign control. Nothing less will do. To do this is not to become a robot. Rather, it is to find
freedom. True freedom consists of operating within the sphere of life for which we are designed. A
river is most free when it is kept within boundaries. Let the water overflow and there is flowing. A
bird is most free when it is flying in the air as a fish is most free when it is swimming in the sea. A
star is free as it orbits in its sphere. Let the star come out of its place and it burns up. So it is with
man. Sin constantly lies to man telling him he is most free when he acts independently of God.
Most people believe the lie just like Adam and Eve did. Much of life is lived with a certain type of
bravado captured by William Ernest Henley in his poem Invictus. However, let a person submit to
the Lordship of Christ and the soul finds satisfaction in Him. Here is the soul-searching question.
”Is Jesus, Lord?” “Is He the Lord of your mind?” Paul said, “Casting down imaginations,
and every high thing that exaleth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity
every thought to the obedience of Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5. “Is Jesus the Lord of your
possessions?” In Matthew 25, Jesus told a parable concerning stewardship. The parable teaches in
part that, "After a long time the Lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them."
“ Is Jesus the Lord of your time?” The Psalmist said, "I was glad when they said unto me,
let us go into the house of the Lord."
“Is Jesus Lord of your emotions?” The Bible says that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and
peace (Gal. 5:22).

“Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost…”

“Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,

born of the Virgin Mary:
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried…”

The story of the Virgin birth of Jesus Christ remains the most stupendous miracle
comprehending and involving all other miracles. It is indeed holy ground. A godly author once
wrote, “I can scarce get past His cradle in my wandering to wonder at His Cross. The infant Jesus
is in some views a greater marvel than Jesus with the purple robe and the crown of thorns.” C.S.
Lewis refers to the Virgin birth as "the grand miracle" when God became man. As always, skeptics
mock at the very idea of a Virgin birth. Liberal ministers assert that in a scientific age there is no
reason to embrace miracles. The implication is that the concept of a Virgin birth arose in a time
when people did not know the Law of Nature. Nothing could be further from the truth as per the
reaction of both Mary (Luke 1:34) and Joseph (Matt. 1:19-25). It was only after Joseph accepted
"the miracle as something contrary to the known order of nature" that he took Mary as his wife. I
believe it is instructive to point out that Mary did not remain a virgin after Jesus was born as per
Matthew 1:25. It is wrong for men to teach that Mary remained a virgin and did not die but was
translated into heaven. This is the official position of the Roman Catholic Church but it is not
grounded in Scripture. While Mary is to be exalted among woman, she is not to be exalted above
them to the point of deification so that prayers are offered to her. There is only One mediator
between God and man and that is the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 2:5).
When the question of the necessity for a virgin birth arises, part of the answer is found in
Hebrews 1-2. The argument is set forth that mankind is under the power of death and is in need of a
Deliverer. God cannot die for He is eternal life; man cannot redeem himself. The Divine solution
was for God Himself to take part in what it means to be fully human in order to ratify for Himself
that which He once created and called good. Therefore we read in Hebrews 2:10 that “in bringing
many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should
make the Pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.” When God in Christ died, Jesus
experienced every aspect of what it was to be human. The Apostle's Creed affirms that the Lord
Jesus Christ, who is fully human, is also the only Begotten Son of God.
Notice next that the Apostle's Creed provides a point of historical verification for the
sufferings of Jesus Christ. Ancient dating depended largely upon considering an event from the
year of a ruler's beginning reign to his death. An example of this is found in Luke 3:1-2 concerning
the ministry of John the Baptist. From those who specialize in these things we are told that the
adopted son of the emperor Augustus, Tiberius Julius Caesar, succeeded as emperor of Rome in
September in the year AD 14. Therefore, in the 15th year, dates John's beginning in AD 29. The
point is that the early Church was very careful to document their history. It has been pointed out
that Christianity is the only religion to base its validity upon a historically verifiable basis. There is
the empty tomb. And there is Pontius Pilate who was a historical figure.
The way Jesus suffered under Pilate was by crucifixion. Medical experts describe
crucifixion as the most cruel method of punishment ever devised. We use the word excruciating
meaning, "derived from the experience of the cross" to describe agonizing pain. The Creed declares
that Jesus really died on Calvary's cross. There was an early heresy called Docetism, which taught
that Jesus had never really died. It only appeared that He died. In the 1960 a Jewish Rabbi who
proposed the Swoon Theory in his book, The Passover Plot, revived this ancient heresy.

“He descended into hell...”

The Bible teaches that Jesus died and was buried and "He descended into hell." These
words are the most difficult of the Creed and have been understood in different ways. Some
believe that hell represents the physical agony of death upon the Cross. Crucifixion was hellish in
its pain. Others believe that hell means hades or sheol, the collective sphere of the dead, divided
into Paradise or Abraham's Bosom and Gehenna. Therefore, the Son of God carried the sins of the
world into the sphere of the dead and left them. Still others believe that the descent into the sphere
of the dead was to make a victorious proclamation to the fallen angels. Another position is that the
descent into hell was to preach the gospel thus providing an opportunity for all mankind to hear
again the message of redemption. Finally, it is believed that the descent into hell was for the
purpose of transferring the souls of those in Paradise to a new sphere of existence in heaven (Job
38:17; Psa. 68:18-22; Matt. 12:38-41; Acts 2:22-32; Rom. 10:7; Eph. 4:7-10; 1 Pet. 3:18-20; and 1
Pet. 4:6).
Perhaps the best understanding of the phrase is that Jesus Christ took the full force of the
punishment of sin upon Himself. He literally bore our hell in order to give us His heaven and "the
third day He arose again from the dead." Without doubt the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the
keystone of Christianity. Remove the resurrection and all of Christendom falls as a sandcastle,
washed away by natural elements (1 Cor. 15:11-19). The poet John Updike issued a bold challenge
in Seven Strangers at Easter when he wrote,

"Let us not mock God with metaphor,

analogy, sidestepping, transcendence;
making of the event a parable,
a sign painted in the faded credulity of ages:
let us walk through the door."

The Apostle Paul said,

"I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection."

So do we and for that reason we gather to pray and to sing the songs of faith: “The Old
Rugged Cross,” “Up Calvary's Mount”, and “He Lives”.
 Doctrine of the Deity of Christ

1. All of the attributes of God the Father are ascribed to Jesus Christ.

 Self existence (John 1:4; 5:26; 10:30; 14:10)

 Eternal existence (John 1:1-3; 8:58; Col 1:16,17)
 Immutability (Heb. 1:10-12; 13:8)
 Omnipresence (Matt. 28:26; John 1:48; 3:13)
 Omniscience (Matt. 9:4; 12:25; Luke 6:8; 9:47)
 Omnipotence (Mark 1:27; jer. 5:19-21; 1 Pet. 3:21,22)

2. The manifold works of Christ attest to His divinity.

 He is the Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5)

 He is the controller of angels (Matt. 13:41; Rev. 1:1)
 Jesus is able to forgive sins (Matt. 9:2; Mark 2:5-7,10)
 The Lord is the commander of death (Matt. 9:24; Luke 7:14)
 He is the Creator (John 1:3,10; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16-18)
 He is the Judge of all (2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. 13:39-43)

“He ascended into heaven…”

“He ascended into heaven and sitteth

on the right hand of God the Father
Almighty: from thence He shall come
to judge the quick and the dead.”

The ascension of Jesus Christ into the heavens as recorded in Acts 1:4-11 brings to a
graceful conclusion the climatic events of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As
Jesus humbled Himself to become true humanity in the Incarnation (Phil. 2:6-8) it is only proper
that He be elevated to His former glory (Phil. 2:9-11). The Ascension of Christ implies several
significant points about heaven.

Doctrine of Heaven

1. Heaven is a fixed geographical location.

2. Heaven is the throne room of the Lord who rules and reigns in both heaven and on earth (Acts
2:30-36; Matt. 28:18). Jesus Christ is even now King (Rev. 1:5).

3. Heaven can be occupied by a resurrected physical body. Travel is as swift as the speed of
thought or as slow as men now move.
4. The resurrected body can consume food (John 21:10-13), move through objects (John 20:26),
has flesh and bones (John 20:27), is recognizable (John 21:1) and is not subject to death or
suffering.

5. The intermediate state of the departed saints is different from the eternal state. However, the
resurrection of Christ allows us to anticipate our glorified bodies though death may come and
this flesh shall see corruption.

6. Heaven is the sphere of reality from which Jesus Christ shall return. Thomas Kelly invites us to

“Look ye saints, the sight is glorious,

See the Man of Sorrows now;
From the fight returned victorious,
Every knee to Him shall bow.
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crowns become the Victor's brow.”

7. The ascension of Christ into heaven fulfills certain prophecies such as Psalm 24:7-8,10;
68:17,18 and especially Psalm 110:1-5 which is quoted in the New Testament (Matt. 22:41-45;
Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44 and Acts 2:33-35).

8. As the ascended Christ in heaven, Jesus is not idle. He functions on behalf of the saints as
Prophet, Priest (Heb. 7:25; 4:15,16), King, and Defense Attorney (Rev. 12:10).

9. One day Jesus Christ is coming from heaven as Judge. The Creed does not say how Jesus will
come (1 Cor. 15:51-55; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 4-22) only why—to judge the living and the
dead (Acts 17:30-31).

Concerning the coming judgment several things may be noted.

1. The final judgment takes place at the end of this age.

2. Both the righteous and the unrighteous are present.

3. The basis of judgment is imputed righteous for the just and evaluation of works for the wicked.
All good works shall cause only greater condemnation when the unconverted offer them as a
bases for salvation.

4. While the Church waits for that ultimate day of judgment, may she be found faithful (2 Tim.
4:7-8).
“I believe in the Holy Ghost…”

“I believe in the Holy Ghost: The holy

universal Church: The Communion of
Saints: The Forgiveness of sins: The
Resurrection of the body: And the Life
everlasting. Amen.”

Six doctrinal statements are affirmed in this last paragraph beginning with a statement of
faith in the Holy Spirit. ,

Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

1. The Holy Spirit acts as a Person.

 He dwells in believers (John 14:17)

 He teaches (John 14:26)
 He testifies (John 15:26)
 He convicts of sin (John 16:8)
 He guides in all truth (John 16:13)
 He inspires and speaks (Acts 1:16; 2 Pet.1:21)
 He calls to the ministry (Acts 13:2)
 He commands (Acts 13:4)
 He forbids certain actions (Acts 16:6,7)
 He intercedes (Rom. 8:26)

2. The Holy Spirit possesses the essential attributes of personality

 A will (1 Cor. 12:11)

 Thought (Rom. 8:27)
 Knowledge (1 Cor. 2:10,11)
 Love (Rom. 15:30)
 Goodness (Neh. 9:20)

3. The Holy Spirit Can Be Treated Like A Person

 He can be lied to (Acts 5:3)

 He can be tempted (Acts 5:9)
 He can be resisted (Acts 7:1)
 He can be grieved (Eph. 4:30)
 He can be outraged (Heb. 10:29)
 He can be blasphemed (Matt. 12:31)
 He can be called upon (Ezek. 37:9)
4. The Holy Spirit is God

 He possesses Divine attributes

 Omniscience (1 Cor. 2:10,11)
 Omnipresence (Psa. 139:7)
 Omnipotence (Zech. 4:6; Job 33:4)
 Truth (1 John 5:6)
 Greatness (Isa. 40:13)

5. The Holy Spirit is called God

 Exodus 17:2-7 cf. Hebrews 3:7-9

 Isaiah 6:8-10 cf. Acts 28:25-27
 Jeremiah 31:31-34 cf. Hebrews 10:15-17

6. The Work of the Holy Spirit is manifold

 He brings life to dead souls (John 3:5,6; 6:33; Eph. 2:5,6; Gal. 5:25; Tit. 3:5,6).
 He unites the believer to Christ (Gal. 3:27 ; Rom. 6:3).
 He bestows gifts (1 Cor. 12:11)
 He empowers for service (Acts 1:5-8)
 He preserves and protects (Eph. 1:13,14; 4:30)

“I believe in the holy universal Church…”

To affirm this is to recognize several essential points.

1. God has a special people in the world represented by the congregation of the called out ones,
the Church.

2. The people of God are many in number.

3. The people of God are destined to be holy in time as well as in eternity.

The purpose of the Church (Matt. 28:19,20) is to proclaim the gospel of redeeming grace and
to edify the saints. In order to advance its program the Church has structure. Jesus Christ is the
head. Apostles and Elders (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:7).

“I believe in the communion of the saints…”

The communion of the saints embraces the following.

1. The concept of a fellowship or partnership. There is a measure of personal intimacy and trust
(Luke 6:12-16) based upon close contact.

2. Diversity of opinions and personalities illustrated in Scripture by the mixture of the disciples.

3. A measure of mutual sharing (Acts 2:42-47; Rom. 5:26; Heb. 3:16).

4. The suffering of the saints in a hostile word (Phil. 3:10; 2 Tim. 4:9-10).

5. The testimony of time (Heb. 12:1).

“I believe in the forgiveness of sin...”

Forgiveness of sins is always based upon biblical repentance, which involves

 a mental assent to wrongdoing.

 a turning away from evil (2 Chron. 7:14)
 a sorrow for sin.

The precious thing is that God will forgive us of our sins.

“I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting…”

The immorality of the soul is one of the distinguishing features of Christianity and opposes
soul sleep, the annihilation of the soul, the absorption of the soul into the universal consciousness,
and the reincarnation of the soul.

“Amen…”

This word implies

1. That a person believes in the truthfulness of what is being said.

2. That one embraces or assents to the truthfulness of the statements.

3. That one identifies with Jesus Christ who is the final Amen (Rev. 3:14).
 The Apostles' Creed vs. Gnosticism

by

James Kiefer, L

A creed generally emphasizes the beliefs opposing those errors that the compilers of the
creed think most dangerous at the time. The Creed of the Council of Trent, which was drawn up by
the Roman Catholics in the 1500's, emphasized those beliefs that Roman Catholics and Protestants
were arguing about most furiously at the time. The Nicene Creed, drawn up in the fourth century,
is emphatic in affirming the Deity of Christ, since it is directed against the Arians, who denied that
Christ was fully God. The Apostles' Creed, drawn up in the first or second century, emphasizes the
true Humanity, including the material body, of Jesus, since that is the point that the heretics of the
time (Gnostics, Marcionites, and later Manicheans) denied. (See 1 John 4:1-3) Thus the Apostles'
Creed is as follows:

I believe in God the Father Almighty,

Maker of Heaven and Earth,

The Gnostics held that the physical universe is evil and that God did not make it.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord,

Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
Born of the Virgin Mary,

The Gnostics were agreed that the orthodox Christians were wrong in supposing that God
had taken human nature or a human body. Some of them distinguished between Christ, whom they
acknowledged to be in some sense divine, and the man Jesus, who was at most an instrument
through whom the Christ spoke. They held that the man Jesus did not become the bearer or
instrument of the Christ until the Spirit descended upon him at his baptism, and that the Spirit left
him before the crucifixion, so that the Spirit had only a brief and tenuous association with matter
and humanity. Others affirmed that there was never a man Jesus at all, but only the appearance of a
man, through which appearance wise teachings were given to the first disciples. Against this the
orthodox Christians affirmed that Jesus was conceived through the action of the Holy Spirit (thus
denying the Gnostic position that the Spirit had nothing to do with Jesus until his Baptism), that he
was born (which meant that he had a real physical body, and not just an appearance) of a virgin
(which implied that he had been special from the first moment of his life, and not just from the
baptism on.

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

There were many stories then current about gods who died and were resurrected, but they
were offered quite frankly as myths, as non-historical stories symbolic of the renewal of the
vegetation every spring after the seeming death of winter. If you asked, "When did Adonis die, you
would be told either, "Long ago and far away," or else, "His death is not an event in earthly time."
Jesus, on the other hand, died at a particular time and place in history, under the jurisdiction of
Pontius Pilate, Procurator of Judea from 26 to 36 CE, or during the last ten years of the reign of the
Emperor Tiberius.

was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into Hades.

Here the creed hammers home the point that he was really dead. He was not an illusion. He
was nailed to a post. He died. He had a real body, a corpse that was placed in a tomb. He was not
merely unconscious — his spirit left his body and went to the realm of the dead. It is a common
belief among Christians that on this occasion he took the souls of those who had died trusting in the
promises made under the Old Covenant — Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, Isaiah, and many
others — and brought them out of the realm of the dead and into heavenly glory. But the creed is
not concerned with this point. The reference to the descent into Hades (or Hell, or Sheol) is here to
make it clear that the death of Jesus was not just a swoon or a coma, but death in every sense of the
word.

The third day he rose from the dead, he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the holy catholic church,

The Gnostics believed that the most important Christian doctrines were reserved for a select
few. The orthodox belief was that the fullness of the Gospel was to be preached to the entire human
race. Hence the term "catholic," or universal, which distinguished them from the Gnostics.

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

The Gnostics considered that what men needed was not forgiveness, but enlightenment.
Ignorance, not sin, was the problem. Some of them, believing the body to be a snare and delusion,
led lives of great asceticism. Others, believing the body to be quite separate from the soul, held that
it did not matter what the body did, since it was completely foul anyway, and its actions had no
effect on the soul. They accordingly led lives that were not ascetic at all. Either way, the notion of
forgiveness was alien to them.

the resurrection of the body,

The chief goal of the Gnostics was to become free forever from the taint of matter and the
shackles of the body, and to return to the heavenly realm as Pure Spirit. They totally rejected any
idea of the resurrection of the body.

and the life everlasting.

AMEN
 The Apostles' Creed

1. The Symbolum Apostolorum was developed between the second and ninth centuries. It is the
most popular creed used in worship by Western Christians.

2. Its central doctrines are those of the Trinity and God the Creator. Legend has it that the
Apostles wrote this creed on the tenth day after Christ's ascension into heaven.

3. That is not the case, though the name stuck. However, each of the doctrines found in the creed
can be traced to statements current in the apostolic period.

4. The earliest written version of the creed is perhaps the Interrogatory Creed of Hippolytus (ca.
AD 215).

5. The current form is first found in the writings of Caesarius of Arles (d 542). The creed was
apparently used as a summary of Christian doctrine for baptismal candidates in the churches of
Rome. Hence it is also known as The Roman Symbol.

6. As in Hippolytus' version it was given in question and answer format with the baptismal
candidates answering in the affirmative that they believed each statement.

7. Traditional English Version

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the
Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third
day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and
sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he
shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion
of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting. AMEN.

8. The basic creed of Reformed churches, as most familiarly known, is called the Apostles' Creed.
It has received this title because of its great antiquity; it dates from very early times in the
Church, a half-century or so from the last writings of the New Testament.
 Apostles and Other Historical Figures of the Early Church

1. Simon Peter, Fisherman Son of Jonah (John) and Joanna, Brother to Andrew. Called by Jesus
Cephas (in Greek Petros) meaning a little rock or pebble, a stone. Journeys to Britain and Gaul
(France), Imprisoned in Rome at Mamertime (Gemonium or the Tullian Keep) for 9 months
and then crucified (nailed to cross upside down) in Nero's Circus AD 67. Remains are beneath
the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome.

2. Andrew, Fisherman Son of Jonah (John) and Joanna, Brother to Simon Peter. Born in
Bethsaida, Galilee and later moved to Capernaum. Follower of John the Baptist and first
Apostle chosen by Christ. Journeys to Southern Russia, Byzantium, Thrace, Macedonia and
Greece. In Patros, Greece governor Aigeatis had Andrew brought before a tribunal and
demanded he denounce Christ. When Andrew refused he was beat and tied to a cross-shaped
like an X, where he died in three days. His final words were 'Accept me O Christ Jesus, Whom
I saw, Whom I love, and in Whom I am. Accept my spirit in peace in Your Eternal Realm.'
Remains were dispersed in 1460 to protect them from invading Turks. Some are in Rome and
St. Andrew's skull was returned to Patmos in 1964.

3. James the Elder, Fisherman Son of Zebedee and Salome (sister of Jesus mother, Mary), Elder
Brother of John, father of Judas Thaddaeus (the Apostle), First cousin to Jesus. Journeys
possibly to India and Spain, First Apostle to be martyred. Beheaded in Jerusalem by King
Herod Agrippa in about AD 44. Remains possibly taken to Spain to keep from invading
Persians. The head of St. James is believed to be buried under the altar of St. James Cathedral
in Jerusalem.

4. John, Fisherman Son of Zebedee and Salome (sister of Mary), Younger Brother of James, First
cousin to Jesus, Disciple of John the Baptist, Cared for Mary (mother of Jesus) until her death
(in Ephesus). Journeys to Russia, Iran and Turkey. Exiled to Patmos (off coast of Turkey)
where he wrote the book of Revelations. Died of old age around 100 AD The tomb of St. John
is in the ruins of the Basilica of St. John in Ephesus, Turkey. The location of his remains is
unknown.

5. Philip was from the Jewish tribe of Zebulon. (Philip is a Greek name meaning "Lover of
horses"). In Hierapolis (Turkey) Philip and Bartholomew saved the sick wife of the Roman
Proconsul. As a result she became a Christian which politically embarrassed her husband. He
sentenced both apostles to death by crucifixion. The Proconsul is reported to have told Philip
"denounce Jesus and save your lives." Philip answered "accept Jesus and save your soul."
Somehow Bartholomew escaped but Philip was martyred, being "pierced through the thigh and
hung upside down until dead." He was 87 at the time of his death. Philip had four daughters
who were virgin prophetesses in Hierapolis. After Philips death two of these daughters married,
the other two remained virgins and died in Hierapolis. A Gospel of Philip was found at Nag
Hammadi and is Gnostic in nature. There is also a book of the Acts of Philip that praise
virginity. Journeys to Turkey, Russia and probably France. Later Philip lived in Hierapolis
where he was crucified. Remains of Philip were moved from their tomb in Hierapolis to the
Church of the Holy Apostles in Rome by Pope John III.
6. Bartholomew died in Albana (now Derbend), Armenia in 68 AD, where he was "skilled alive"
and then beheaded. Journeys to Turkey, Iran, India, Ethiopia, Persia and Egypt. Remains are
chiefly in the Church of St. Bartholomew at Rome.

7. Thomas (also known as Didymas), Fisherman Journeys to Babylon, Persia and India where he
was "pierced in the side by a lance while praying.". This was on Mt. Thomas in Mylapore, India
where he frequently met with his followers in a cave on the mountain. Remains were smuggled
out of India (when it was sacked by the Turks) and taken to Edessa in Mesopotamia. Here the
remains of St. Thomas appear to have become scattered. Some are now believed to be in a
church in Ortona, Italy.

8. Matthew (also known as Levi), Tax Collector Son of Alphaeus and Mary (Mary may have a
cousin of Mary, the mother of Jesus), elder brother of James the Less. There are many stories,
but it is unknown where and how Matthew died. The most likely story is that he was martyred
in Egypt. Journeys to Ethiopia, Macedonia, Persia and Syria Remains are believed to be in the
Cathedral of St. Matteo in Salerno, Italy

9. James the Younger (or the Less) Son of Alphaeus and Mary, younger brother of Matthew Levi
James resembled Jesus Christ so much in body and manner that it was difficult to distinguish
one from the other. The kiss of Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane was necessary to make sure
that Jesus and not James was taken prisoner - Golden Legend AD 1275 There is no record or
indication of physical appearance of Jesus Christ. There is an interesting comment in the 53rd.
Chapter of Isaiah, verse 2, which predicts the Messiah, would have "no beauty that we should
desire him." The images we have of Christ are derived from Greek art and their God Zeus and
his son Hercules. James was stoned to death in Jerusalem by Jews for preaching the lessons of
Jesus. Remains were first moved to Constantinople and then in about AD 572 Pope John III had
them moved to the Church of the Holy Apostles in Rome.

10. Judas Thaddaeus (also known as Trionius Lebbaeus), Fisherman Son of James the Elder,
Grandson of Zebedee, Nephew of John (the Apostle). Journeys to Syria, Northern Persia and
Armenia. Killed in AD 60 (50?) by a lance on Mt. Ararat near Ardaze, Armenia. (Also see
Simon who likely died with Judas) Remains were distributed and became widely scattered to
keep safe from the invading Genghis Khan. Some relics are now in St. Peters Basilica in Rome
and some in the Church of St. Saturninus in Tolosa, Spain.Simon (also known as Canaanite, or
Cananean, or Zealot) One legend says that Simon was arrested by order of Roman Procurator
Catus Decianus and crucified at Caistor, Lincolnshire, Britain in May AD 61. It is more likely
that Simon died with Judas Thaddaeus in Persia, where "Simon was sawn asunder and St. Jude
killed with a halberd." (A halberd is a battle-ax on a long pike handle). Journeys to Britain,
Egypt, North Africa, Spain and Persia. Remains of Simon are intermixed with St. Jude. Most
are believed to be at St. Peters Basilica in Rome with pieces in the Church of St. Saturninus in
Tolosa, Spain and St. Sernin in Toulouse, France.

11. Judas Iscariot (also known as Judas of Kerioth) Son of Simon 'Treasurer' of the twelve disciples
- betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He returned the money to the Jewish priests who
refused to accept since it was now considered "blood money". Judas threw the money at the
priests feet then went out and hung himself. The money was used to purchase a plot of land to
 be used as a burial place for the poor. This graveyard came to be known as the "Field of Blood"
or "Potters Field." Judas was a common Jewish name up to the time of this treason. (Jesus had a
brother named Judas). Ever since, the name Judas has been associated with treason and evil.
Matthias Elected by the remaining eleven disciples to take the place of Judas Iscariot. May have
been a follower of Jesus since the baptism by John the Baptist. Most likely was one of the
'seventy' sent by Jesus to preach. Matthias was stoned to death in Phaleon or Jerusalem in
Judea. Journeys to Armenia. Remains are at St. Matthias in Trier, Germany and in Rome.

12. James the Just (not one of the Apostles) Son of Joseph and Mary, brother of Jesus. James was
not converted to Christianity until he saw Jesus risen from the grave. He became overseer of the
Judean Church and author of the Book of James, but was not one of the twelve Apostles. When
he refused to denounce Jesus, the Jewish priests threw James from the pinnacle of the temple,
where he was then stoned and finally clubbed to death. (About AD 62 or 66) Remains were
moved from their tomb on the west slope on the Mt. of Olives and are now most likely in the
Cathedral of St. James on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem.

13. Judas Son of Joseph and Mary, brother of Jesus. Author of The Book of Jude. John the Baptist
Son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Cousin to Jesus Imprisoned and beheaded at the Fortress of
Marchaerus (now called Mekaur) in the mountains on the east side of the Red Sea. Remains are
in part (hand and skull) in the Topkapi Museum, Istanbul.

14. Barnabas (also known as Joseph or Joses) One of the 70, given the name Barnabas by the
Apostles Journeys to Cyprus and Asia Minor with Paul Tradition says Barnabas was martyred
in Salamis on Cyprus

15. Luke (Lucas Medicus Antichensis) Luke was a gentile, the author of the Book of Luke and
possibly the Book of Acts of the Apostles. The title of physician may have come for Luke's
caring for Paul when he was ill. By profession Luke may have been a painter. Remains are in
St. Peters Basilica in Rome and the Church of the Apostles in Constantinople.

16. John Mark (Marcus Jonah) Cousin to Barnabas, not one of the twelve but may have been one of
the seventy. Author of the Book of Mark based on the recollections of Peter. Mary, Mark’s
mother, owned the house in Jerusalem with the "upper room" where the Pentecostal baptism of
the Apostles took place. Today the church of St. Mark sets on this site in Jerusalem. Journeys to
Cyprus with Paul, to Babylon with Peter, Turkey, Alexandria in Egypt and North Africa.
Martyred in AD 68. Remains are in St. Marks Cathedral in Venice, Italy and the Coptic Church
in Alexandria.

17. Lazarus Brother to Martha and Mary Magdalene. Our Savior visited their home in Bethany on
several occasions. When Lazarus became ill and died Jesus raised him from the dead. He and
his sisters were active in the early church of Jerusalem and fled to Cyprus to escape persecution
at the time of Stephen. Journeys to Cyprus and Marseilles, France. Remains were moved to
Constantinople and from there have been lost. Many artifacts are believed to be in France.
Emperor
18. Constantine (AD 280?-337) At the battle of Milvain Bridge (October AD 312) Constantine had
a vision and attributed his victory and ascension to the thrown of Rome to the Christian Cross.
In 313 AD Constantine granted all people full liberty to choose any religion they desired and
personally favored the Christians. He made Sunday the day of assembly and rest, abolished
crucifixion as a form of capitol punishment, abolished public gladiator fights and made it
unlawful to kill unwanted children. Unable to sway most royal families of Rome to convert to
Christianity Constantine moves the capitol to Constantinople, "the New Rome." In
Constantinople Constantine built "The Church of the Twelve Apostles." Here he intended to
place the remains of the twelve apostles in a circle . . . with his tomb in the center. Emperor
Theodosis (AD 378-398) Made Christianity the State Religion of the Roman Empire and
church membership compulsory. Under his rule Christians tore down pagan temples and
tortured the "heathens." (The persecuted became the persecutors). Under the rule of Emperor
Theodosius the Christian church changed from a religious order to a government power.
Religious meetings developed into elaborate ceremonies of state.

Important Dates in the Early Church

 Emperor Augustus ruled from AD 27 BC - 14

 Jesus crucified in AD 33
 Judas Iscariot hung himself in AD 33
 Emperor Tiberius ruled from AD 14 - 37, died in AD 37
 Emperor Caligula ruled from AD 37 - 41, assassinated in AD 41
 James the Elder beheaded in AD 44
 Emperor Claudius ruled from AD 41 - 54 poisoned by queen in AD 54
 Judas Thaddaeus martyred AD 60
 Simon martyred AD 60
 James the Just martyred between AD 62 - 66
 Philip martyred guessing about AD 66
 Simon Peter crucified in AD 67
 Paul beheaded AD 67
 Emperor Nero ruled AD 54 - 68
 Bartholomew beheaded AD 68
 Emperor Galba ruled AD 68 - 69
 Andrew crucified AD 69
 Emperor Vespasian ruled AD 69 - 79
 Emperor Titus ruled AD 79 - 81
 Emperor Domitian ruled AD 81 - 96
 Emperor Nerva ruled AD 96-98
 John died about AD 100
 Emperor Trajan ruled from AD 98-117
 Emperor Hadrian ruled from AD 117 - 138
 Emperor Constantine ruled from AD 306 - 337
 Emperor Julian ruled from AD 361 - 363
 Emperor Jovian ruled from AD 363 – 364
 Emperor Theodosius ruled from AD 378 - 395