Drink from The Well

Have you ever joined a group that had their own motto or creed? I played sports growing up, and I remember that most of the teams I was privileged to be a part of, had their own slogan or motto. This was depicted differently on the various teams I was on. On one of my soccer teams, we had a chant. On one of my volleyball teams, the captain would recite a creed that we voted on and then we would yell “let’s go,” as a way to agree with it. These creeds were usually said together either before games, at halftime or at the end of games. Some groups tend to use mottos and creeds as a brief way to summarize and provide a framework that guides the group’s principles and beliefs. In essence, the word “creed” implies a belief system that is formulated, authoritative and guiding. It’s not just a vague idea, but a defined set of beliefs. It’s often accepted as a source of truth or guidance. And it shapes the way people think, feel, and act.

In Christianity, there is something similar, and it’s called The Apostles’ Creed. The creed is a summary of Christian beliefs, based on the teachings of Jesus’ earliest followers, the apostles. It is called the Apostles’ Creed not because it was produced by the apostles themselves, but because it contains a brief summary of their teachings. As a statement of faith summarizing the core beliefs of Christianity, it serves as a basis for teaching and understanding Christian doctrine. It unites Christians across different denominations and historical periods. And the creed’s truths can be a source of strength and inspiration for believers. In its present form it is dated no later than the fourth century, but is considered to be a foundational document for many Christians worldwide. The term “creed” comes from the Latin word “credo,” meaning “I believe and trust.” The creed’s structure often follows a Trinitarian arrangement, reflecting belief in God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. It’s been used for centuries, and continues to be used in worship, at baptisms, and as a statement of faith. It reads:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
         who 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 hell.
         The third day he rose again from the dead.
         He ascended to heaven
         and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
         From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
         the holy Christian church,
         the communion of saints,
         the forgiveness of sins,
         the resurrection of the body,
         and the life everlasting. Amen.

So, whether you are exploring the faith, new to the faith or have been a Christian for some time now, I hope you will spend some time reading the Apostle’s Creed, and reminding yourself of the foundational beliefs of the faith. Although derived from the Bible, it is not a replacement of it. Rather, I urge you to check its contents with the Bible to make sure it’s accurate. And if it is, you have every reason to trust it and recite it, as a way of reminding you of what you believe as a Christian. And if you are yet to believe, I hope that you will be persuaded to believe or even ask more questions. Most importantly, wherever you are in your walk with the Lord, I pray it encourages you to grab your Bible, and seek the many subsequent truths connected to it.

By all means not all creeds, sayings and mottos are true. As much as we would like for truth to be subjective, it is not the case. This is where the sheep are separated from the goats, so to speak. Unfortunately, as much as we would like, all roads do not lead to Rome. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up in Hong Kong when you meant to go to London. The point is, truth is objective. Therefore, all truth claims cannot be true. And I believe that the only objective truth in the world is found in the person of Jesus Christ. He claimed to be the way, the truth and the life, and no one can ever come to the Father except through him (Jn. 14:6). He proved this, and his reliability by performing the greatest miracle the world will ever see – rising from the dead (1 Cor. 15:1-34). He is now alive forever and ever! He will come back again to judge the living and the dead (2 Tim. 4:1). And his desire is for all who would believe in him to be with him (Jn. 14:3, 1 Tim. 2:4, Rev. 3:20). Come, my friends, and consider this great invitation of salvation. Believe in the Lord Jesus (Acts. 16:31)! He is The One who offers what truly satisfies – a lifesaving drink from his never ending well.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen!

This I Believe by Hillsong Worship