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The Apostles' Creed |
| Article I |
Article II |
Article III |
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
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I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son our Lord,
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
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.
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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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What does this mean?
[Robert E. Smith translation, 1994]
I believe that Jesus Christ is truly God, born of the Father in eternity and also truly human, born of the Virgin Mary. Christ is my Lord! Christ redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, bought and won me from all sins, death, and the authority of the Devil. It did not cost him gold or silver, but his holy, precious blood, his innocent body -- his death! Because of this, I am Christ's very own, will live under Christ in his kingdom and serve Christ righteously, innocently and blessedly forever, just as Christ is risen from death, lives and reigns forever. Yes, this is true!
Prayer
Loving God, we are happy to be included in Christ’s circle of friends, saved and redeemed by your kindness and his sacrificial life. In his name we say both Thank You and Amen.
Commentary by Pastor David G. Mullen
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…will live under Christ in his kingdom and serve Christ righteously, innocently and blessedly forever… And here we have what Luther called “the alien righteousness.” In modern vernacular, we might say, “It’s not about me.” It’s not about me and my striving, my achievement, my success, my power to control, or anything else. Certainly not about my alleged, “morality.” All that stuff pales, shrinks, is as nothing before the holiness of God. We enjoy what is so much better: the life of God within us and among, the “alien righteousness” of Christ. When God looks to us, what is seen is not our sin, but the innocent, blessed, and eternal life of Christ.
Yes, this is true! That’s what faith sees, believes, and confesses—with joy!