Saying the Apostles' Creed

Over the years, I have often not been comfortable reciting the Apostles’ Creed in church. This feeling was not based on unbelief, but on believing the creed. As the congregation mumbled it in unison by rote, it seemed as if there was no conviction in their recitation, or, if there was belief, their mumbling was as if they were saying, “So what?”

Then one Sunday over 50 years ago, I was in the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Bala Cynwyd, PA. The congregation stood up and shouted out the Apostles’ Creed. I had a sense that they believed it. Of course, they might have been trained, but it was still good to hear and to participate.

Do you believe it? It is great truth. Thank God for this wonderful truth, then say it like you mean it.

I believe in God the Father Almighty; Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the virgin, Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into Hades.

On the third day He rose again, from the dead, ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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