The Apostle’s Creed: The Creed In General

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Q1: What is the first part of Christian Doctrine?

A1: The first part of Christian Doctrine is the Symbol of the Apostles, commonly called the Creed.

Q2: Why do you call the Creed the Symbol of the Apostles?

A2: The Creed is called the Symbol of the Apostles because it is a summary of the truths of faith taught by the Apostles.

Q3: How many articles are there in the Creed?

A3: There are twelve articles in the Creed.

Q4: What are they?

A4: (1) I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; (2) And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; (3) Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary; (4) Suffered under Pontius Pilate: was crucified, dead, and buried; (5) He descended into h*: the third day He rose again from the dead; (6) He ascended into Heaven: sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; (7) From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. (8) I believe in the Holy Ghost; (9) The Holy Catholic Church; the Communion of Saints; (10) The forgiveness of sins; (11) The resurrection of the body; (12) Life everlasting. Amen.

Q5: What is meant by the word: ‘I believe’, which you say at the beginning of the Symbol?

A5: The word: I believe, means I hold everything that is contained in these twelve articles to be perfectly true; and I believe these truths more firmly than if I saw them with my eyes, because God, who can neither deceive nor be deceived, has revealed them to the Holy Catholic Church and through this Church to us.

Q6: What do the articles of the Creed contain?

A6: The articles of the Creed contain the principal truths to be believed concerning God, Jesus Christ, and the Church, His Spouse.

Q7: Is it useful to recite the Creed frequently?

A7: It is most useful to recite the Creed frequently, so as to impress the truths of faith more and more deeply on our hearts.

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