For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures

1st Corinthians 15:3-4

Definitions of faith, summarising the essence of true faith, has been the since the earliest times an important of aspect of Christianity. The Apostles were simple and clear in their instruction that Christ was at the heart of true faith and that all doctrine have Him as their heart and soul.

Outside of the statements in Scripture the Apostles’ Creed is the most famous expression of Christian Faith. Later generations of Christians would frame more complex confessions of faith in days of controversy, when faith was under threat. But for truth to be truth it must capture the same vein of precious life that flows through this early creed.

Some in the Protestant tradition have stepped back a little from the Apostles’ Creed, perceiving it too Catholic and overused as a meaningless repetition. Good words, however, are worth repeating and rather than being Roman Catholic the creed identifies with the true Catholic Church, the universal body of Christ, His kingdom on earth. The Apostle’s Creed reveals a Christ exalting Church, presenting His truth as the only hope for a dark and corrupt world.

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,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and 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.