The Apostle’s Creed: Is it a Sufficient Gospel?‏

Hello Friends!

To use any human creed as a marker for who is a true Christian is to compromise the integrity of the Biblical Gospel and how people must respond to it. Recently, I was engaged in a heart-to-heart conversation with an individual in whom I haven’t spoken with in several years. The conversation was quaint and friendly, but when it moved to the "spiritual" side of life, it became very interesting – and concerning. This acquaintance was absolutely certain of their eternal security with God due their strong religious affiliations and personal accomplishments – both in the natural and “spiritual” realms. After sharing the true Biblical Gospel with this individual, I realized this was a very important topic that required more investigation and consideration.

The following thoughts are in response to that very important conversation…

The Apostle’s Creed: Is it a Sufficient Gospel?  

The Apostle's Creed is, in my estimation, an unacceptable standard for determining who is a Christian and who is not. Biblically speaking, the Apostle's Creed is deficient in determining the Christian faith because it does not include the complete Gospel nor does it call for repentance. Only the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe (see Romans 1:16). Here is the Apostle's Creed in its entirety:

 I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, as crucified, died, and was buried. 

He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; 

He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence 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.

 
Roman Catholics, Protestants, Mormons and a variety of other religious groups can believe every part of the Apostle's Creed and remain “lost” for all eternity. This is because the "creed" does not mention the Biblical essentials of salvation by grace alone, the substitutionary atonement or the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ to save sinners completely and forever. These are important distinctions because proponents of the ecumenical movement are using the ancient creeds as a basis for unity between Catholics and Christians alike. An excellent message on what it means to be a Christian - a new Creature in Christ is available here. The notes are available also here. 

A true Christian is a member of the Body of Christ who lovingly submits to the supreme authority of Jesus Christ and His Word – The Bible. There are many professing Christians who believe in the Apostle's Creed but could not agree on all of the following characteristics of a true Christian found throughout the Scriptures:

One who was chosen by the Father

Redeemed by the Son

Born of the Spirit

Justified by faith

Sanctified by truth

Purified by blood

Saved by grace

Forgiven through repentance

Delivered from darkness

Made alive in Christ

Set free from bondage

Guaranteed an inheritance

Promised eternal life

Protected by the Good Shepherd

Called to be holy

It would behoove of anyone affiliated with this specific spiritual creed to examine their faith, as well as their foundational beliefs of what it means to be “saved” – their eternal destination depends upon it… Let us all stand firm on the eternal truths of God's Word for the glory of Jesus!

We are not guaranteed tomorrow - tomorrow may be too late!  If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

Blessings on your studies and involvement in understanding and sharing the Truth!

If you have been blessed by this message or have a specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com

I love hearing from you.  Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!

Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

 

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