Author(s):
Richard Gilbert, F.C.A.
Year Published:
2007
Publication Type:
Pamphlet
Creeds have been used by the church since its very beginning. The New Testament Scriptures contain many primitive creedal formulations. Showing that, from the time of the Apostles, creeds have been an important part of the Church’s heritage. One use of creeds is as a confession of faith for those being baptized, which explains their three-part division into articles on the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Apostles’ Creed is an example of a baptismal creed.
Another important use of creeds is to combat heresy. In the early 4th century, a priest named Arius taught that the Son was not God in the same way that the Father was God. He was a created being, and thus not equal to the Father (the Jehovah’s Witnesses are the modern day proponents of this heresy). In order to settle the dispute, in 325 A.D. the Emperor Constantine called together over 300 bishops from all over the world, to a Council to be held in Nicea. The result was the Nicene Creed. This great statement of the Faith is accepted by the majority of Christians throughout the world as an authoritative statement of faith. Yet today, there are Christians who proudly say, "We have no creed but the Bible. Why do you need a creed? Why can't you just believe what the Bible says?"
In this pamphlet, Richard Gilbert, Fellow of the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism & Human Rights, goes line by line, phrase by phrase, even word by word through the Nicene Creed, providing Scripture references to show that the Creed teaches exactly what the Bible teaches, and nothing more.
This pamphlet is ideal as a handout to give to a friend with questions, to the cultist at your door, or as part of your congregation's literature for visitors. Whether you are teaching a Bible study, want to be able to explain why you believe what you believe, or just want to know "Where does it say that in the Bible?" you'll want to have plenty on hand.
These pamphlets are also available in larger quantities, including for your church or educational event. Please contact us if you're interested.
