October 24, 2021 - January 29, 2024

This Disciple’s Creed

I believe in The One True God

One in being, Three in person

the Father, almighty Creator

the Son, unblemished Saviour

the Holy Spirit, comforting Guide

united in perfection

perfect in love

perfect in mercy

perfect in righteousness

united in eternity

without beginning

without end

without cause

united in infinity

all powerful

all knowing

all present

I believe in God the Father

the almighty

He is the Holy God beyond all gods

He is the Creator of heaven and earth

He is the One by Whom all others are

He is the One for Whose glory all else exists

every instant

every thing

every act

every word

every thought

He is the righteous Judge of every soul

He is the gracious Redeemer of fallen man

He is Love

I believe God the Son

Jesus Christ

God and Word of God

He through Whom all things were made

He for Whom all things are

He is our only Lord and Saviour

He is the Father’s only-begotten Son

He was conceived by the Holy Spirit

He was born of the virgin Mary

He was revealed by John the Baptist

as the one true Light of man

He taught, healed, laughed and wept

He suffered the rejection of His own

He was crucified

He died

He was buried

He descended into hell

He rose from death on the third day

He was seen by many witnesses

He ascended into heaven,

He is at the right hand of God

the Father

the Almighty

our Creator

our Judge

our Redeemer

He will return to judge the living and the dead

He will reward every soul in accordance with their faith

I believe in God the Holy Spirit

He who calls us to Jesus Christ

He is our Counsellor

He is our promised Helper

interceding with groans too vast for words

He reveals the truth of Jesus Christ

to every soul who will believe

He reminds us of our Saviour's words

He confirms our salvation

He comforts our affliction

He affirms our faith

He guides our walk

I believe that the faithful are one

we are Jesus’ body

His feet

His hands

His voice

we are to be faithful to His word

we are to continue His work on Earth

we are united in one communion

one common salvation

one common faith

one common life

we are every person who’s Lord is God

we are to proclaim His gospel to all the earth

that all mankind may know

Jesus came

Jesus died

Jesus lives!

Jesus saves

Jesus comes

I believe that my sins are forgiven

the Holy Spirit confirms this

that though fallen I am redeemed

I have been made a child of God

by the blood of Jesus Christ

confirmed by the Holy Spirit

He has paid my debt in full

the enemy has no more claim on me

I have been made a new creation

to love Him

to follow Him

to please Him

all the days of my life

I believe that though I die yet will I live

that at Jesus’ return I shall return to life

with Him I will enjoy life everlasting

in the very house of God

and there I will serve my King forever

for the glory, praise and honour of His wonderful Name

Amen and amen!

Notes on "This Disciple's Creed"

The Apostle’s Creed has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have always loved the flow of its words and the importance of what it said; especially in the version that united us every Sunday in the Christian Reformed Church where I grew up. Parts of it troubled me though; like how the Father and the Holy Spirit were both given very little attention in relation to Jesus Christ. I was also troubled by the phrase “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church” because, while I do believe that the Church exists on Earth and is one body united by the blood of Jesus Christ, I do not believe in the Church. For many years, several decades in fact, I have wanted to write a treatment of the Apostle’s Creed that dealt with these, and other, issues but was never able to write it in a way that I felt honoured God and pleased me; until last Sunday when it just came together in one sitting and, after several revisions, became what you see here. I hope you like it.