Apostles' Creed (II), Page 1

The basic creed of Reformed churches, as most familiarly known, is called the Apostles' Creed. It has received this title because of its great antiquity; it dates from very early times in the Church, a half century or so from the last writings of the New Testament.

I believe in GOD, the FATHER ALMIGHTY, the CREATOR of heaven and earth, and in JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, our LORD: Who was conceived of the HOLY SPIRIT, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. HE descended into hell. The third day HE arose again from the dead. HE ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of GOD the FATHER ALMIGHTY, whence 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.

*The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We continue our journey into the Basic Principles of the Christian Faith. These beliefs are fundamental to our salvation. Although the Church of JESUS CHRIST on earth today is quite fragmented, there are several teachings (doctrines) that are common to all true believers. We will look at these doctrines one by one in the hopes of strengthening our "like precious faith!"

There is no way around this truth. Either JESUS suffered and died for us or Christianity as a whole, is a sham! Either HE did or we are dead in our sin to this date.

We will talk more about the Crucifixion in the next lesson, but right now we are focusing on suffering.

In the Book of Isaiah, the coming Messiah was characterized as the Suffering Servant. This is a hard concept to grasp. HE is known as the KING of KINGS. How can it be that this KING would be a servant that was doomed to suffer?

Well, here is the reason. Have you complained about your life lately? Things are rough (and maybe they are). You may think it is not fair that you "suffer" this way. You see, if JESUS had come and tasted only the best that life has to offer, how could HE understand what you are going through right now?

And, wouldn't you be a bit justified in thinking that you are wrongfully oppressed? You see, the truth is that every temptation we may bear, JESUS experienced (yet without sin), every heartache and trial . . . HE was there too. But HE did not break.

The fact is this: If it hurts us, HE walked through it here on earth, so that HE could be the Perfect ONE to help and understand our plight! Now doesn't that make HIM Perfect for the job of SAVIOR?