This particular creed was written roughly 50 years after some of the New Testament books and is basically a list of what many reformers believed and still do. This creed is not holy, like Scripture, but it supported, line for line, by the Word of God. It's significance seemed greater centuries ago when gnosticism and persecution were very present. Still, I believe there to be a benefit to knowing the Apostles' Creed; it is a basic understanding of what those who claim the Bible as the Word of God believe. I remember reciting the creed nearly every Sunday when I was growing up. Unfortunately, I memorized it but gave it no credence. Today I have a new appreciation for the significance of this creed. It provides me with the bullet points of my faith.
I believe in God the Father, Almighty (Gen. 17:1-2, Ps. 91:1-2)
Maker of Heaven and Earth (Genesis 1-2)
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. (Mt. 3:16-17, Jn. 13:14, Col. 1:15)
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary (Lk. 1:29-38)
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again from the dead (I Cor. 15:3-5, Mt. 16:21-23)
He ascended to heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father, Almighty. (Acts 1:1-9, Mk. 14:62)
From there he will come again to judge the living and the dead. (2 Tim. 4:1)
I believe in the Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:16, Jn. 14:15-17, 26-27; 16:13-14)
the holy Catholic Church (Eph. 4:3-13)
the communion of saints (Dan. 7:18, Rm. 8:26-28)
the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7, Col. 1:13-14, Mk. 3:28-29)
the resurrection of the body (I Cor. 15:35-58)
and the life everlasting. (Jn. 3:14-17, Gal. 6:7-8)
Standing in church reciting the Apostles' Creed is common. My hope is that we would actually know what we're saying and its Scriptural foundation! Those who love Jesus have a tendency to be biblically illiterate. If you claim to believe the Bible as the Word of God you should know what it says. The Apostles' Creed is a great summary of foundational beliefs in Scripture. However, reciting the Apostles' Creed is empty until you know it's biblical roots. I challenge you to look up the Scripture verses provided after each line in order to become biblically literate and gain a purer appreciation for those who took the time to create a creed so biblically and theologically rich as this one.