Apostles' Creed (I), Page 3

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!"

The seed of JESUS was from the HOLY SPIRIT. HE overshadowed Mary and she became pregnant with a child she would later name JESUS.

This has never happened before in history and will never happen again! I mean that a child was born to a virgin. This is a marvelous occurrence. And one that brought trouble for both Mary and JESUS. Mary was betrothed to Joseph. He had not consummated the marriage. He learned that Mary was pregnant. This was an offence that would have cost Mary her life in those times. But Joseph was warned of the truth by an angel.

Once it was known that Mary had conceived, she became an outcast and her child became a (in the original meaning of the word) a bastard. Pardon me, I know that word has a different slang connotation. But I use it here to show you the circumstances of JESUS birth. Mary, Joseph, a handful of shepherds, and some traveling wise men knew the truth. Everyone else considered JESUS an outcast.

The events of HIS birth followed HIM all through HIS earthly walk. HE was discredited, scorned and humbled by HIS apparent situation. Isn't that just like JESUS. As we pointed out, HE came for us! HE came for the worst sinner on the face of the earth. HE gave up all HIS Glory! For you! For me!

Realize . . . . HE was the person deserving the Most Honor the world could muster, and HE received none! HE was mocked by the church, ridiculed by strangers, denied, deserted and discredited.

But, 2000 plus years later, HE receives honor, power, glory and love from HIS people. From the humble beginning of HIS conception in the womb of a young Israeli maiden HE has become the most dynamic and influential PERSON in history!