7 Questions about the Creeds

1. What is a creed?

A creed is a statement of faith. The word “creed” comes from the Latin credo, which means “I believe.” (Deuteronomy 11:18–23; 26:1–11; John 20:24–29; 1 John 5:9–12)

2. What is the purpose of the creeds?

The purpose of the creeds is to declare and safeguard for all generations essential truths about God, the Church, and the world, as revealed in Holy Scripture. (Deuteronomy 7:9–11; Psalm 145:4–13; John 20:30–31; 2 Timothy 1:13–14; Hebrews 2:1–4)

To Be a Christian

J. I. Packer, Joel Scandrett, Anglican Church in North America

With 360+ pairs of questions and answers, as well as Scripture references to support each teaching, this catechism instructs new believers and church members in the core beliefs of Christianity from an Anglican perspective.

3. What does belief in the creeds signify?

Belief in the creeds signifies acceptance of God’s revealed truth and the intention to live by it. To reject any element of the creeds signifies a departure from the Christian faith. (Matthew 16:13–20; 2 Timothy 3:14–15; 4:1–5; James 2:10–26)

4. Which creeds has the Anglican church received?

This church believes the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. (Articles of Religion, 8)

5. Why do you receive and believe these creeds?

I receive and believe these creeds with the Church because they are grounded in Holy Scripture and are faithful expressions of its teaching. (Proverbs 13:14; 1 Corinthians 15:3–11; Philippians 2:5–11)

6. Why should you know these creeds?

I should know these creeds because they state the essential beliefs of the Christian faith. (Deuteronomy 11:18–19; 1 Timothy 6:20–21; 2 Timothy 1:13–14)

7. What is the Apostles’ Creed?

The Apostles’ Creed says:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again 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 the life everlasting. Amen.

This article is adapted from To Be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism edited by J. I. Packer and Joel Scandrett.

J. I. Packer (1926–2020) served as the Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology at Regent College. He authored numerous books, including the classic bestseller Knowing God. Packer also served as general editor for the English Standard Version Bible and as theological editor for the ESV Study Bible.

Joel Scandrett (PhD, Drew University) serves as assistant professor of historical theology and director of the Robert E. Webber Center at Trinity School for Ministry.