In Article 9 of the Belgic Confession three writings, dating from the first centuries of the Christian church, are named as creeds which “we willingly receive.” They are the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. These creeds are called ecumenical (general, universal) because they have been approved and accepted by nearly all the churches of Christendom.
This creed is called the Apostles’ Creed, not because it was written by the apostles themselves, but because it contains a brief summary of their teachings. It sets forth their doctrine, as has been said, “in sublime simplicity, in unsurpassable brevity, in beautiful order, and with liturgical solemnity.” The Apostles’ Creed is based on the creed used in Rome around A.D. 400, which in turn goes back another two hundred years. It is typical of the creeds used in the western part of the Roman empire.
I. 1. I believe in God the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
II. 2. I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only-begotten Son, our Lord;
3. he was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary;
4. suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
he descended into hell.
5. On the third day he arose from the dead;
6. he ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand
of God the Father almighty;
7. from there he will come to judge
the living and the dead.
III. 8. I believe in the Holy Spirit;
9. I believe a holy catholic Christian church,
the communion of saints;
10. the forgiveness of sins;
11. the resurrection of the body;
12. and the life everlasting. Amen.
