Affirmation of Faith

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Affirmation of Faith

To affirm or confess faith is to join others in publicly avowing belief or trust, usually in someone divine ("I believe in God the Father, Almighty"). In a secular culture, confessions of faith may be fantasy, heresy, idolatry, or commercial blather, but for Christians they are serious business. They put faith "out there" to be challenged, affirmed, ridiculed, praised, ignored, respected, or persecuted. Whether said, sung, or acted out, confessions of faith let believers deliberately rehearse their faith, keeping it fresh, alive, and ready for whatever may be coming.

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Worship Service Ideas for Affirmation of Faith

The affirmation of faith can contain:

  • a response to the preaching of God's word
  • a statement or expression of unity
  • a witness to our individual participation in something greater than ourselves. 
  • a summary of the whole gospel

“Each purpose suggests the value of different kinds of creedal statements, some of which have official status in various denominations. A scriptural profession of faith allows the congregation to respond to the sermon with a text connected to the theme of the sermon; of the many scriptural possibilities, only a few are suggested here as examples. A historic creed, often used at baptism, serves as a reminder of baptismal faith and our connection with the church of all ages. A contemporary statement of faith allows the congregation to connect its faith directly with opportunities and challenges in contemporary culture or to paraphrase other sources with particular attention to the participation of children. Any contemporary statement of faith should be used in such a way that it does not imply that it somehow supersedes the historic statements of faith. Many of these creedal statements may also be sung to musical settings provided in many hymnals and songbooks. The most common tradition is the use of the ecumenical creeds—a statement of what believers in all times and places profess. The use of other historic or contemporary creeds may be appropriate for a given service or theme.” (The Worship Sourcebook, 2nd ed. [Grand Rapids, MI: Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2013], 151)

Ideas from Scripture for Affirmation of Faith

Scriptural Professions of Faith Biblical texts show certain patterns in confessions or affirmations of faith. They may center on God the Father, who is often simply called "God"; on Jesus Christ, especially as Messiah, Son of God, Savior, and Lord; or on the Holy Spirit. They may unite a whole people, as Deuteronomy 6:4–5 does as it is recited morning and evening by faithful Jews to this day. They may recount some of the deeds or events of God or specifically of Jesus Christ ("Christ died for our sins, . . . he was raised on the third day. . . . Then he appeared to more than five hundred" (1 Cor. 15:3–7)). And, of course, the gracious, mighty acts of God elicit acclamation, which then shows up in confessions of faith ("How majestic is your name" or "Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father"). They may center a whole gospel, as Peter's confession of Jesus as Messiah does in Matthew and Mark (Matt. 16:16; Mark 8:29). They may express the resolution of doubt, as in the case of Thomas in John 20. Or they may refute heresy: 1 John 4:2 reveals that the early gatherings of Christians were plagued with teachings by so-called "docetists" — people who held that Jesus only appeared to be flesh and blood. But no, says John, the only godly teaching here is that Jesus was actually fully incarnate.

Affirmations or confessions of faith may also be acted out, as in the case of the woman who anointed Jesus with precious ointment at Bethany (Mark 14:3–9).

Whether said, sung, or acted out, affirmations keep Christians' common faith in front of them. It's not only in their hearts, but also in their brains, on their voices, in their mouths and ears. Such confessions declare a commitment to what is confessed and, implicitly, the follow-through actions appropriate to such confession. We will "live in the light of what is."

Ideas for Affirmation of Faith for Advent

See also Advent

Our World Belongs to God, Stanza 1

As followers of Jesus Christ,
living in this world—
which some seek to control,
and others view with despair—
we declare with joy and trust:
Our world belongs to God!

Our World Belongs to God, Stanza 23

Remembering the promise
to reconcile the world to himself,
God joined our humanity in Jesus Christ—
the eternal Word made flesh.
He is the long-awaited Messiah,
one with us
and one with God,
fully human and fully divine,
conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.

Our World Belongs to God, Stanza 56

We long for that day
when our bodies are raised,
the Lord wipes away our tears,
and we dwell forever in the presence of God.
We will take our place in the new creation,
where there will be no more death
or mourning or crying or pain,
and the Lord will be our light.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Our World Belongs to God, Stanza 58

With the whole creation
we join the song:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
He has made us a kingdom of priests
to serve our God,
and we will reign on earth.
God will be all in all,
righteousness and peace will flourish,
everything will be made new,
and every eye will see at last
that our world belongs to God.
Hallelujah! Come, Lord Jesus!

Our Song of Hope, Stanza 3

Our only hope is Jesus Christ.
After we refused to live in the image of God,
he was born of the virgin Mary,
sharing our genes and our instincts,
entering our culture, speaking our language,
fulfilling the law of our God.
Being united to Christ’s humanity,
we know ourselves when we rest in him.

Ideas for Affirmation of Faith for Christmas

See also Christmas

Scripture Ideas for Christmas:

  • John 1:1–5, 9–14, the Word became flesh
  • Philippians 2:6–11, imitating Christ’s humility
  • 1 John 1:1–4, the incarnation of the word of life

Our World Belongs to God, stanza 1

As followers of Jesus Christ,
living in this world—
which some seek to control,
and others view with despair—
we declare with joy and trust:
Our world belongs to God!

Our World Belongs to God, stanza 4

Our world, fallen into sin,
has lost its first goodness,
but God has not abandoned the work of his hands:
our Maker preserves this world,
sending seasons, sun, and rain,
upholding all creatures,
renewing the earth,
promising a Savior,
guiding all things to their purpose.

Our World Belongs to God, stanza 23

Remembering the promise
to reconcile the world to himself,
God joined our humanity in Jesus Christ—
the eternal Word made flesh.
He is the long-awaited Messiah,
one with us and one with God,
fully human and fully divine,
conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.

Our World Belongs to God, stanza 26

Being both divine and human,
Jesus is the only mediator.
He alone paid the debt of our sin;
there is no other Savior.
We are chosen in Christ
to become like him in every way.
God’s electing love sustains our hope:
God’s grace is free to save sinners
who offer nothing but their need for mercy.

Our World Belongs to God, stanza 43

Jesus Christ rules over all.
To follow this Lord is to serve him
wherever we are without fitting in,
light in darkness,
salt in a spoiling world.

Belgic Confession, Article 10

We believe that Jesus Christ,
according to his divine nature,
is the only Son of God—
eternally begotten,
not made or created,
for then he would be a creature.
He is one in essence with the Father;
coeternal;
the exact image of the person of the Father
and the “reflection of God’s glory,”
being like the Father in all things.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God
not only from the time he assumed
our nature but from all eternity,
as the following testimonies teach us
when they are taken together.
Moses says that God created the world;
and John says that all things were created
through the Word,
which he calls God.
The apostle says that God created the world
through the Son.
He also says that God
created all things through Jesus Christ.
And so it must follow
that the one who is called God,
the Word, the Son,
and Jesus Christ already existed
before creating all things.
Therefore the prophet Micah
says that Christ’s origin is “from ancient days.”
And the apostle says that the Son has
“neither beginning of days nor end of life.”
So then, he is the true eternal God,
the Almighty,
whom we invoke, worship, and serve.

Belgic Confession, Article 18

So then we confess
that God fulfilled the promise
made to the early fathers and mothers
by the mouth of the holy prophets
when he sent the only and eternal Son of God
into the world at the time appointed.
The Son took the “form of a slave”
and was made in “human form,”
truly assuming a real human nature,
with all its weaknesses,
except for sin;
being conceived in the womb
of the blessed virgin Mary
by the power of the Holy Spirit,
without male participation.
And Christ not only assumed human nature
as far as the body is concerned
but also a real human soul,
in order to be a real human being.
For since the soul had been lost
as well as the body,
Christ had to assume them both
to save them both together.
Therefore we confess . . .
that Christ shared the very flesh
and blood of children;
being the fruit of the loins of David
according to the flesh,
descended from David
according to the flesh;
the fruit of the womb of the virgin Mary;
born of a woman;
the seed of David;
the root of Jesse;
descended from Judah,
having descended from the Jews
according to the flesh; descended from Abraham—
having assumed descent from Abraham and Sarah,
and was made like his brothers and sisters,
yet without sin.
In this way Christ is truly our Immanuel—
that is: “God with us.”

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 33

Why is he called God’s “only begotten Son” when we also are God’s children?
Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We, however, are adopted children of God— adopted by grace through Christ.

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 35

What does it mean that he “was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary”?
That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took to himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, a truly human nature so that he might also become David’s true descendant, like his brothers and sisters in every way except for sin.

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 36

How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you?
He is our mediator and, in God’s sight, he covers with his innocence and perfect holiness my sinfulness in which I was conceived.

Westminster Confession, Chapter VIII, Section 2–3

The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance, and equal with the Father, did, when the fulness of time was come, take upon him man’s nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin; being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, of her substance. So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion. Which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man.

The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, was sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit, above measure; having in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; in whom it pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell: to the end, that being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth, he might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a Mediator and Surety. Which office he took not unto himself, but was thereunto called by his Father; who put all power and judgment into his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same.

Our Song of Hope, stanzas 3– 4

Our only hope is Jesus Christ.
After we refused to live in the image of God,
he was born of the virgin Mary,
sharing our genes and our instincts,
entering our culture,
speaking our language,
fulfilling the law of our God.
Being united to Christ’s humanity,
we know ourselves when we rest in him.
Jesus Christ is the hope of God’s world.
In his death,
the justice of God is established;
forgiveness of sin is proclaimed.
On the day of the resurrection,
the tomb was empty;
his disciples saw him;
death was defeated;
new life had come.
God’s purpose for the world was sealed.

Nicene Creed

Ideas for Affirmation of Faith for Lent

See also Lent

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 37

What do you understand by the word “suffered”?
That during his whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race. This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice, he might deliver us, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, and gain for us God’s grace, righteousness, and eternal life.

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 43

What further benefit do we receive from Christ’s sacrifice and death on the cross?
By Christ’s power our old selves are crucified, put to death, and buried with him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer rule us, but that instead we may offer ourselves as a sacrifice of gratitude to him.

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 56

What do you believe concerning “the forgiveness of sins”?
I believe that God, because of Christ’s satisfaction, will no longer remember any of my sins or my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life. Rather, by grace God grants me the righteousness of Christ to free me forever from judgment.

Ideas for Affirmation of Faith for Easter

See also Easter

Scripture Ideas for Easter

  • Isaiah 25:6–9, the Lord will wipe the tears from our eyes
  • Romans 10:9, if we confess Jesus is Lord, we will be saved
  • 1 Corinthians 8:6, all things exist through Jesus
  • 1 Corinthians 15:3–7, Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures
  • Colossians 1:1–20, Jesus is the image of the invisible God

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 45

How does Christ’s resurrection benefit us?
First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he might make us share in the righteousness he obtained for us by his death. Second, by his power we too are already raised to a new life. Third, Christ’s resurrection is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection.

Our World belongs to God, stanza 25

Standing in our place,
Jesus suffered during his years on earth,
especially in the tortures of the cross.
He carried God's judgment on our sin—
his sacrifice removed our guilt.
God raised him from the dead:
he walked out of the grave,
conqueror of sin and death—
Lord of Life!
We are set right with God,
given new life,
and called to walk with him
in freedom from sin's dominion.

Our Song of Hope, stanza 4

Jesus Christ is the hope of God’s world.
In his death,
the justice of God is established;
forgiveness of sin is proclaimed.
On the day of the resurrection,
the tomb was empty;
his disciples saw him;
death was defeated;
new life had come.
God’s purpose for the world was sealed.

Westminster Confession, Chapter VIII, section 4–5

This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake, which, that he might discharge, he was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfill it; endured most grievous torments immediately in his soul, and most painful sufferings in his body; was crucified, and died; was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. On the third day he arose from the dead, with the same body in which he suffered; with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father, making intercession; and shall return to judge men and angels at the end of the world.

The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself, which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of his Father, and purchased not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.

Ideas for Affirmation of Faith for Ascension

See also Ascension

Scripture Ideas for Ascension

  • Philippians 2:5–11, every tongue should confess
  • 1 Peter 3:18–22, Christ has ascended with powers in submission to him

Belgic Confession, Article 26

We believe that we have no access to God
except through the one and only Mediator and Intercessor,
“Jesus Christ the righteous,”
who therefore was made human,
uniting together the divine and human natures,
so that we human beings might have access to the divine Majesty.
Otherwise we would have no access.
But this Mediator,
whom the Father has appointed between himself and us,
ought not terrify us by his greatness,
so that we have to look for another one,
according to our fancy.
For neither in heaven nor among the creatures on earth
is there anyone who loves us
more than Jesus Christ does.
Although he was “in the form of God,”
Christ nevertheless “emptied himself,”
taking “human form”
and “the form of a slave” for us;
and he made himself “like his brothers and sisters
in every respect.”
Suppose we had to find another intercessor.
Who would love us more than he who gave his life for us,
even though “we were enemies”?
And suppose we had to find one who has prestige and power.
Who has as much of these as he who is seated
at the right hand of the Father,
and who has “all authority in heaven and on earth”?
And who will be heard more readily
than God’s own dearly beloved Son?
So, the practice of honoring the saints as intercessors
in fact dishonors them because of its misplaced faith.
That was something the saints never did nor asked for,
but which in keeping with their duty,
as appears from their writings,
they consistently refused.
We should not plead here that we are unworthy—
for it is not a question of offering our prayers
on the basis of our own dignity
but only on the basis of the excellence
and dignity of Jesus Christ,
whose righteousness is ours by faith.
Since the apostle for good reason
wants us to get rid of this foolish fear—
or rather, this unbelief—
he says to us that Jesus Christ
was made like “his brothers and sisters in every respect,
so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest”
to purify the sins of the people.
For since he suffered,
being tempted,
he is also able to help those who are tempted.
And further,
to encourage us more to approach him he says,
“Since, then, we have a great high priest
who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God,
let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but we have one who in every respect
has been tested as we are,
yet without sin.
Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness,
so that we may receive mercy
and find grace to help in time of need.”
The same apostle says
that we “have confidence
to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus.”
“Let us approach with a true heart
in full assurance of faith. . . .”
Likewise, Christ “holds his priesthood permanently. . . .
Consequently,
he is able for all time
to save those who approach God through him,
since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
What more do we need?|
For Christ himself declares:
“I am the way,
and the truth,
and the life.
No one comes to the Father
except through me.”
Why should we seek another intercessor?
Since it has pleased God
to give us the Son as our Intercessor.
Let us not leave him for another—
or rather seek,
without ever finding.
For, when giving Christ to us,
God knew well that we were sinners.
Therefore,
in following the command of Christ
we call on the heavenly Father through Christ,
our only Mediator,
as we are taught by the Lord’s Prayer,
being assured that we shall obtain
all we ask of the Father in his name.

Our World Belongs to God, stanzas 55–56

Our hope for a new creation
is not tied to what humans can do,
for we believe that one day
every challenge to God’s rule will be crushed.
His kingdom will fully come,
and the Lord will rule.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.

We long for that day
when our bodies are raised,
the Lord wipes away our tears,
and we dwell forever in the presence of God.
We will take our place in the new creation,
where there will be no more death
or mourning or crying or pain,
and the Lord will be our light.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 46-47

What do you mean by saying, “He ascended to heaven”?
That Christ, while his disciples watched, was taken up from the earth into heaven and remains there on our behalf until he comes again to judge the living and the dead.

But isn’t Christ with us until the end of the world as he promised us?
Christ is true human and true God. In his human nature Christ is not now on earth; but in his divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit he is never absent from us.

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 49-52

How does Christ’s ascension to heaven benefit us?
First, he is our advocate in heaven in the presence of his Father. Second, we have our own flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that Christ our head will also take us, his members, up to himself. Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth as a corresponding pledge. By the Spirit’s power we seek not earthly things but the things above, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand.

Why the next words: “and is seated at the right hand of God”?
Because Christ ascended to heaven to show there that he is head of his church, the one through whom the Father rules all things.

How does this glory of Christ our head benefit us?
First, through his Holy Spirit he pours out gifts from heaven upon us his members. Second, by his power he defends us and keeps us safe from all enemies.

How does Christ’s return “to judge the living and the dead” comfort you?
In all distress and persecution, with uplifted head, I confidently await the very judge who has already offered himself to the judgment of God in my place and removed the whole curse from me. Christ will cast all his enemies and mine into everlasting condemnation, but will take me and all his chosen ones to himself into the joy and glory of heaven.

Our Song of Hope, stanza 5

Our ascended Lord gives hope for two ages.
In the age to come,
Christ is the judge,
rejecting unrighteousness,
isolating God’s enemies to hell,
blessing the new creation in Christ.
In this age,
the Holy Spirit is with us,
calling nations to follow God’s path,
uniting people through Christ in love.

Ideas for Affirmation of Faith for Pentecost

See also Pentecost

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 31

Why is he called “Christ,” meaning “anointed”?
Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher who fully reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our deliverance; our only high priest who has delivered us by the one sacrifice of his body, and who continually pleads our cause with the Father; and our eternal king who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who guards us and keeps us in the freedom he has won for us.

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 50

Why the next words: “and is seated at the right hand of God”?
Because Christ ascended to heaven to show there that he is head of his church, the one through whom the Father rules all things.

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 52

How does Christ’s return “to judge the living and the dead” comfort you?
In all distress and persecution, with uplifted head, I confidently await the very judge who has already offered himself to the judgment of God in my place and removed the whole curse from me. Christ will cast all his enemies and mine into everlasting condemnation, but will take me and all his chosen ones to himself into the joy and glory of heaven.

Our World Belongs to God, stanzas 1–2

As followers of Jesus Christ,
living in this world—
which some seek to control,
and others view with despair—
we declare with joy and trust:
Our world belongs to God!

From the beginning,
through all the crises of our times,
until the kingdom fully comes,
God keeps covenant forever:
Our world belongs to God!
God is King: Let the earth be glad!
Christ is victor: his rule has begun!
The Spirit is at work: creation is renewed!
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Our World Belongs to God, stanza 27

Jesus ascended in triumph,
raising our humanity to the heavenly throne.
All authority, glory,
and sovereign power are given to him.
There he hears our prayers
and pleads our cause before the Father.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Our World Belongs to God, stanza 55

Our hope for a new creation
is not tied to what humans can do,
for we believe that one day every challenge
to God’s rule will be crushed.
His kingdom will fully come,
and the Lord will rule.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Reflections from Scripture on Affirmation of Faith

To confess faith is to join others in publicly avowing belief or trust, usually in someone divine ("I believe in God the Father, Almighty")—but not always. Jews and Christians are not alone in confessing their faith. Lower politicians confess their faith in higher ones: "He'll lead us into a shining future." The Bible regularly warns against "false teachers," or people who recommend confessions that will lead them astray. Tyrants confess faith in themselves and their movements: Hitler was fond of crowing, "God is with us." Confessions of faith may be blasphemous, or they may be trivial: "I trust Sudsy-Wash to give me a truly whiter white."

Or they may be ritualized fantasy. Craig Barnes has observed that in contemporary American life, some of the wildest confessions of faith come from the lips of commencement speakers: "Your life is in your hands. You are the master of your fate. So reach for the stars, work hard, and you can be whatever you want to be." Mindful of commencement clichés, a Massachusetts high school English teacher by the name of David McCullough offered an antidote to them in his now-famous commencement address. Standing before the 2012 graduating class of Wellesley High School, McCullough said to them, "You are not special. You have been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped, feted, fawned over, and called sweetie-pie. But don't get the idea that you're anybody special, because you're not." McCullough went on to say that there were 37,000 high school graduations that day, and so a minimum of 37,000 valedictorians. Not even valedictorians are special. He added that, according to astrophysics, our planet is not the center of our solar system, our solar system is not the center of our galaxy, our galaxy is not the center of the universe. In fact, astrophysicists say the universe has no center—"so you cannot be it," McCullough told the graduates.

Confessions of faith may be fantastical, heretical, idolatrous, or trivial, but for Christians they are serious business. As Romans 10:9–10 states, it's one thing to believe in your heart and quite another to confess with your lips. Confession puts faith "out there," to be challenged, affirmed, ridiculed, praised, ignored, respected, or persecuted. Confession makes private faith public. It is so essential to the identity of a follower of Jesus that denying one's faith stains a believer's resumé forever. Peter became "the disciple who denied his Lord" (though it's majestically typical of God's redemptive grace that Peter also became the rock on whom Christ built his church—the largest and most famous Christian church in the world is St. Peter's Basilica in Rome!)

Christians confess their faith, but they also confess their sins. Augustine's autobiography is famous for alternating and connecting the two forms of confession. Augustine owns up to years of wandering through labyrinths of lust and dishonesty, always turning his back on the God who pursued him: "Late have I loved you, beauty so old and so new; late have I loved you. You were with me and I was not with you" (Augustine, Confessions, trans. Henry Chadwick [New York: Oxford University Press, 1992], X.xvii.38). In two sentences Augustine acknowledges the best and the worst. Perhaps the word "confess" may express both realities because both expose vulnerability. "I am a sinner and liable to the penalty for sin"—vulnerability. "I am a sinner, liable to the penalty of sin, and can't save myself. I desperately need the outside help I can trust"—vulnerability again. We are tainted, and we are needy. Confession says it all.

Some Christians, though perhaps comfortable with confessing their personal belief, resist creeds ("no creed but Christ"). They are properly impressed with the risk involved in summarizing difficult and disparate Scriptures into a human-made summary. But the Bible is a big book and hard to teach as a whole. Moreover, it itself contains creeds, which form the basis of the ecumenical and intramural Christian creeds. And, of course, with or without the formal Christian creeds, believers sing their confession of faith all the time. This is true not only of standard old hymns, such as "Holy, Holy, Holy," but also of more contemporary spiritual songs, such as "There Is a Redeemer". In both, believers confess their faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Confessions of faith are common in songs for children: "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so." And they are often alive on deathbeds: "My only comfort in life and in death is that I am not my own, but belong . . . to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ" (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 1).

Affirmations of Faith and Commitments to Christian Living

Many traditions have different affirmations of faith specific to their tradition or denomination.

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
begotten from the Father before all ages,
God from God,
Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made;
of the same essence as the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
and was made human.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered and was buried.
The third day he rose again,
according to the Scriptures.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again with glory
to judge the living and the dead.
His kingdom will never end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life.
He proceeds from the Father and the Son,
and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.
He spoke through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look forward to the resurrection of the dead,
and to life in the world to come. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed

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 catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

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