Apostles' Creed (I), Page 1

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.

I believe in GOD, the FATHER ALMIGHTY, the CREATOR of heaven and earth, and in JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, our LORD: Who was conceived of the HOLY SPIRIT, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. HE descended into hell. The third day HE arose again from the dead. HE ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of GOD the FATHER ALMIGHTY, whence HE shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the HOLY SPIRIT, the holy *catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

*The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We begin a journey into the Basic Principles of the Christian Faith. These beliefs are fundamental to our salvation. Although the Church of JESUS CHRIST on earth today is quite fragmented, there are several teachings (doctrines) that are common to all true believers. We will look at these doctrines one by one in the hopes of strengthening our "like precious faith!"

The reason this is true is because if HE is LORD, then when HE speaks, we cannot in conscience say "No" to HIM! The term "Lord" implies ownership, loyalty and submission.

As we have mentioned, JESUS paid the price for us. If HE did not own us by virtue of creation, HE definitely does through redemption. And that is good, because prior to JESUS we were owned by another. And this other had no good intentions for us!

We owe our loyalty and allegiance to HIM! When we come to JESUS and accept HIS sacrifice as our salvation, we see that HE has paid the ultimate price for us. No human father could do what HE did! No king, president or sports hero deserves our fealty as does JESUS.

We spend our lifetime after first coming to HIM mostly in learning to submit. This is a hard one for humans. We want to dominate! Most of the time we feel the need to rule our own lives out of fear. We believe that if we can control our situation then nothing bad can happen to us!

And, incredibly, it is just the opposite. When we "drive" our lives, we often steer toward hazards and difficulty. With JESUS at the helm, we are assured of a life of success, peace and joy!

As our Scripture tells us, to be saved we must make JESUS our LORD! This is a process that will complete when we stand before HIM. But we must make a start somewhere. When you choose JESUS, you are choosing a new LORD of your life!