These are our statements of faith, which explain specifically what it is we believe.
A. The two major creeds
These versions are taken from Rejoice and Sing, the hymn book of The United Reformed Church.
B. The two lesser known creeds
These explain the faith in more depth, specifically the mysteries of the Trinity and Jesus’ incarnation.
Glossary of words used in the Creeds
Creed.
The word “creed” comes from the Latin word “credo” meaning “I believe” and the first two creeds listed here begin with those words.
Apostle, apostolic.
Jesus called many followers to be his disciples, however at a certain point he designated twelve of them as “apostles” (Luke 6:13).
The Greek word “apostolos” means “messenger” as they were being sent by Jesus with the message about the kingdom of God.
The church is still apostolic as it still preaches and proclaims the Christian message.
Catholic.
When the word “catholic” is used in the creeds this does not necessarily refer to Roman Catholicism.
The Latin word “catholicus” means “universal” and it refers to the worldwide mission of the church to every nation, tribe and tongue.
Consubstantial
Identical in substance or essence.
We believe that Jesus, God the Son, is consubstantial with God the Father. In other words he is fully God and possesses the same divine nature as God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He is eternal, he is almighty, he is omnipotent etc.
We also believe that Jesus is consubstantial with man. At his incarnation he became fully human. Although he retained his divine nature, he relinquished power and glory and subjected himself to all our human weaknesses.
Being fully God and fully human, we believe that Jesus led a perfect human life, overcame every temptation that is common to man, and did not sin.