The Apostles’ Creed is a statement of Christian faith and belief that dates back to the early church. Though not written by the apostles themselves, it is based on apostolic teachings and was likely formulated between the 2nd and 5th centuries. The creed outlines core doctrines and beliefs that unite Christians across denominations. Here is the full text of the Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will 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 the life everlasting. Amen.
This creed outlines several core Christian beliefs: in one God, in the Trinity, in Jesus Christ and his incarnation, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, in the Holy Spirit, the church, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life. Let’s explore the meaning and biblical basis for each section in more detail.
I Believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth
This first section affirms belief in one God who created all things. God’s almighty power and his role as Father and Creator are seen throughout Scripture:
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
“Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Genesis 18:14)
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” (Matthew 19:26)
God’s creative power and might stand over all creation. He spoke the universe into existence and remains intimately involved, sustaining all things by his power. God is called Father because he cares for his children and invites us to approach him with the intimacy of a child coming to their dad. Though transcendent and limitless, he invites us to know him through Christ.
I Believe in Jesus Christ, His Only Son, Our Lord
This section affirms belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. Christ’s divinity and incarnation are clearly proclaimed throughout the New Testament:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 14)
“For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.” (Romans 8:3)
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:15-16)
These verses teach that Jesus has eternally existed with God the Father but took on human flesh and entered into creation for our salvation. He is the exact imprint of God’s nature and the agent of creation through whom all things were made. While fully divine, he became fully human to save us from our sins.
Who Was Conceived by the Holy Spirit and Born of the Virgin Mary
Not only did Jesus take on humanity, but he was miraculously conceived by the Spirit and born of a virgin. God orchestrated Jesus’ miraculous entrance into the world, not through a human father, but by the power and overshadowing of the Holy Spirit:
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18)
“The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.'” (Luke 1:35)
Jesus’ miraculous birth points to his divine nature and the plan of redemption God put in motion, independent of human initiative, to save us through Christ. The virgin birth also enables Jesus to serve as our perfect representative before God, unstained by inherited sin.
He Suffered Under Pontius Pilate, Was Crucified, Died, and Was Buried
Jesus’ life culminated in suffering, crucifixion, death, and burial. Though completely innocent, Jesus willingly endured humiliation, torture, and death on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins:
“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed… they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’… It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:32-33, 34, 44-46)
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
The willing sacrifice of Jesus provides the blood atonement necessary for the forgiveness of sins. He took our place and punishment so we could be reconciled to God. His death satisfies God’s justice and opens the way for our redemption.
He Descended to Hell
There is debate about what it means that Jesus “descended to hell” after his death. Some believe this refers to his burial, while others think it means he literally descended to the place of the dead. Scriptural support for the latter view includes:
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits.” (1 Peter 3:18-19)
“When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (Ephesians 4:8)
Jesus fully identified with sinful humanity, even in death itself. His victorious descent and preaching declare his defeat of evil powers through the cross. The deepest depths of death could not hold him.
The Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central truth on which the Christian faith stands. Jesus supernaturally rose from the grave on the third day after his crucifixion:
“Pilate gave the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people he has risen from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” (Matthew 27:64)
“The women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.” (Matthew 28:8-9)
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5)
Jesus’ bodily resurrection is the guarantee that his sacrifice was sufficient and accepted. Our sins are fully forgiven, and eternal life is freely offered to all who believe. The resurrection points ahead to the future resurrection of all believers.
He Ascended into Heaven and Is Seated at the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty
Following his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples over a 40-day period and then supernaturally ascended into heaven:
“While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.” (Luke 24:51)
“After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'” (Acts 1:9-11)
Jesus ascended bodily and now reigns in power and authority over all creation, interceding for believers. He sits exalted as the divine yet crucified Lord, awaiting the day when every knee will bow to him.
From There He Will Come to Judge the Living and the Dead
Not only did Jesus enter the world miraculously, but he will one day return in great power and glory:
“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26)
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28)
Jesus will bodily return to fully establish his kingdom. He will raise the dead, judge all people, defeat evil, and usher those who believe into eternal life with him. This certain hope inspires us to persevere and proclaim the good news of Christ.
I Believe in the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, fully God yet distinct in role from the Father and Son. The Spirit was involved in creation and inspired the prophets. Jesus promised his continual presence after ascending to heaven:
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
At Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out on believers, as promised:
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:1-4)
The Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He guides believers into truth and empowers the church to fulfill the Great Commission, performing signs, miracles, and gifts along the way.
The Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints
All who place their faith in Christ alone for salvation are spiritually united into one body, the holy and universal church. Though diverse, this spiritual family enjoys fellowship together across time, culture, and denomination. Communion indicates sharing a common faith and participation in the sacraments:
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
The church consists of all who have been redeemed by Jesus throughout history. We are united by our Savior and our mission to make disciples of Christ.
The Forgiveness of Sins
Those who place their faith in Christ receive complete forgiveness and pardon from sin. Our debt has been paid in full by Jesus’ sacrifice, and our slate wiped clean:
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38-39)
Forgiveness is a free gift received by faith, not earned by good works or human effort. When God forgives, our sins are removed, forgotten, and washed clean by Christ’s blood.
The Resurrection of the Body
Not only did Jesus rise miraculously, but Scripture promises a future bodily resurrection to eternal life for all who are in Christ. One day our perishable earthly bodies will be raised imperishable:
“Martha answered, ‘I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.'” (John 11:24-25)
“The dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.” (1 Corinthians 15:52-53)
Christ’s resurrection ensures we too will be resurrected when he returns. As his redeemed people, we can eagerly anticipate transformed bodies and life on the renewed earth.
And the Life Everlasting. Amen.
The creed closes by affirming that those who believe in Christ will experience eternal life. Death is not the end for Christians but the gateway to unending joy in God’s presence:
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:11-12)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
The Apostles’ Creed presents a clear, concise summary of biblical faith through the ages. It reminds us of the hope we have in Christ and the core doctrines that form the foundation of Christian belief.