Apostles' Creed (I), Page 2

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 continue our 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!"

JESUS had an earthly mother named Mary. HE had a heavenly FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT. Here again we see evidence that the ONE GOD exists in Three Persons. There are two of them in the the passage today.

JESUS claimed Deity several times in the New Testament. If HIS claims are false, we are lost. If HIS claims are true (and they are) then we are Not Lost! The very thread of our salvation hangs upon the fact that the HOLY SPIRIT is JESUS' FATHER, not Joseph.

There is belief among non-believers that all this is a nice story made up by shepherds and fishermen and sold as a nice religion that is really fictional occurrence and not rooted and founded in fact. I will say this about that.

The 12 that knew HIM the best gave up their lives in cruel deaths rather than recant their testimony and deny the deity of JESUS (that HE was GOD in the flesh). Men don't die for made-up stories! They all lived with JESUS for 3.5 years. If you want to get to know someone well, just live with them! They knew beyond any shadow of doubt that JESUS was / is exactly who HE claimed to be - The GOD-SON come to live in a human body to do one thing - Pay for the sins of the world!

Our faith cannot rest on anything less. Don't allow compromise in your life. Believe that HE is Exactly who HE said HE is!