Creeds are statements of faith that summarize what Christians believe. While the Bible itself is our ultimate guide, Scripture also shows the value of affirming truth together. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible says about creeds, unity, and standing firm in the faith.
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What Does The Bible Say About Creeds
1 Timothy 3:16
“Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.”
This verse affirms the mystery and significance of the incarnation, life, and exaltation of Jesus Christ. It highlights the core belief that Jesus, as the Son of God, appeared in human form, was proven righteous by the Holy Spirit, witnessed by angels, preached to all nations, believed on by people, and ultimately exalted in glory.
Philippians 2:6-11
“[Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
This passage emphasizes the humility and obedience of Jesus, who, being fully divine, willingly became human and submitted himself to death on the cross. As a result of His obedience, God exalted Jesus to the highest position of authority, deserving universal recognition and worship. This creed highlights the lordship of Jesus Christ and the ultimate glory it brings to God the Father.
John 1:1-14
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
This passage highlights the divinity and creative power of the Word (Jesus), who has existed eternally with God the Father. It emphasizes that all things were created through Him and that He is the source of life and enlightenment for humanity. The incarnation of Jesus demonstrates that He, as the Son, became flesh and dwelt among us, revealing the glory, grace, and truth of God the Father.
Colossians 2:9-10
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.”
This verse proclaims the complete embodiment of God’s divinity in the person of Jesus Christ. It assures believers that in Christ, they have experienced fullness and completeness. Furthermore, it affirms the authority of Jesus as the head over all powers and authorities, demonstrating His supreme dominion.
Romans 1:3-4
“…regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.”
This verse affirms the dual nature of Jesus Christ. It acknowledges His human lineage as a descendant of David, and yet, it declares His divine nature as the Son of God. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is identified as the event that demonstrated His power and confirmed His lordship.
Hebrews 1:1-4
“In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.”
This passage contrasts the previous ways in which God communicated with humanity through prophets with the ultimate revelation of Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. It portrays Jesus as the appointed heir of all things, the Creator of the universe, the embodiment of God’s glory, and the sustainer of all creation. Moreover, it emphasizes the fulfillment of Jesus’ salvific mission, resulting in His exaltation and superiority over the angels.
John 14:6
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
This verse presents Jesus’ exclusive claim as the only way to the Father. It boldly declares that Jesus is not merely a way to truth and life, but He is the way, the truth, and the life itself. Salvation and access to the Father are found solely through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:12
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
This verse emphasizes the uniqueness and exclusivity of Jesus as the source of salvation for all humanity. It proclaims that there is no other name, no other person, who can provide salvation. It asserts that faith in Jesus is the only means by which human beings can receive eternal life.
John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
These verses encapsulate the love of God for humanity and the purpose of Jesus’ incarnation. They affirm God’s sacrificial love, manifested in giving His Son, Jesus Christ, to offer eternal life to all who place their faith in Him. The verse follows by clarifying that Jesus did not come to condemn humanity but rather to provide salvation through Himself.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
This passage emphasizes the foundation of salvation as a result of God’s unmerited favor and the response of faith by individuals. It clarifies that salvation is not earned through human effort or good works but is a gift from God. The essence of this creed is to eliminate boasting in personal achievements and to acknowledge salvation as a divine gift received through faith.
Titus 3:4-7
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
This passage emphasizes the motive and means of salvation. It highlights that God’s kindness and love, motivated by His mercy, resulted in the salvation of humanity. Salvation is not earned through personal righteousness but is a result of God’s grace. The work of the Holy Spirit, poured out through Jesus Christ, brings about a transformative washing and renewal that leads to justification and the inheritance of eternal life.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
This verse reveals God’s unparalleled love for humanity, demonstrated by Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. It highlights the uniqueness of God’s love, as it was extended even when humanity was separated from Him due to sin. The crucifixion of Jesus is presented as the ultimate act of love and a means of reconciliation between God and humanity.
1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you have been healed.”
This verse addresses the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross, emphasizing that He took upon Himself the burden of our sins. It highlights the transformative effect of Jesus’ sacrifice, enabling believers to be freed from the power of sin and to live in righteousness. Healing is presented as a result of the wounds borne by Jesus on behalf of humanity.
Romans 10:9-10
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
These verses outline the response required for salvation: confessing that Jesus is Lord and believing in His resurrection. It emphasizes the importance of both heart and verbal confession in the process of justification and salvation. The creed emphasizes the need for a personal, heartfelt belief in Jesus as the Lord and Savior.
John 8:12
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'”
This verse presents Jesus’ self-declaration as the light of the world. It reveals that by following Him, believers will be freed from spiritual darkness and guided by the light of life that Jesus offers. The creed emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus’ presence and guidance in the lives of those who follow Him.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
These verses extend an invitation from Jesus to those who are burdened and weary. It promises rest and relief for those who come to Him. The creed emphasizes the gentle and humble nature of Jesus and assures that following Him will bring inner rest and a lighter burden compared to the heaviness of worldly cares.
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
This verse contrasts the destructive intentions of the thief (Satan) with the life-giving purpose of Jesus. It reveals Jesus’ desire for believers to experience abundant and fulfilled lives. The creed highlights the contrast between the enemy’s intentions and the life-giving nature of Christ.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
This verse acknowledges that believers will encounter challenges and tribulations in the world, but it assures them of the peace found in Jesus. It confirms that Jesus has triumphed over the world and offers encouragement to take heart in the midst of difficulties. The creed emphasizes the believer’s dependence on the peace and victory found in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This verse emphasizes the transformative nature of salvation in Jesus Christ. It declares that when individuals are united with Christ, they experience a complete spiritual renewal. The old ways and sinfulness are replaced with a new life, characterized by righteousness and holiness found in Christ. The creed highlights the hope for genuine transformation through faith in Jesus.
John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
This verse employs the metaphor of a vine and its branches to illustrate the necessity of a close relationship with Jesus. It emphasizes that apart from Him, believers can accomplish nothing of lasting value. However, when connected to Christ, they bear spiritual fruit and experience productivity in their lives. The creed stresses the importance of abiding in Jesus for spiritual vitality and effectiveness.
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
This verse captures the essence of a believer’s identification with Christ through His crucifixion. It emphasizes the surrender of the old self and the indwelling presence of Christ. The creed highlights the transformative power of faith in the Son of God and the love exhibited through His sacrificial death.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
This verse urges believers to resist conformity to the values and behaviors of the world. Instead, they are called to experience a transformative renewal of their minds. Through this renewal, made possible by the Holy Spirit, believers gain the ability to discern and follow the will of God. The creed emphasizes the necessity of a transformed mind in order to align with God’s perfect will.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This verse is known as the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. It emphasizes the importance of baptism in the Trinitarian formula and the teaching of Christ’s commandments. The creed highlights the ongoing presence of Jesus with His disciples as they fulfill this mission until the end of the age.
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'”
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans. Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.