The Apostles’ Creed is one of the oldest summaries of the Christian faith. When we recite it, we join our voices with Christians throughout history who have professed the same faith.
The Full Text
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into 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 life everlasting. Amen.
Line by Line
“I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth”
We believe in one God who is our loving Father and the creator of everything that exists — the mountains, the sea, the forests, the stars, and every living creature.
“And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord”
Jesus is not just a prophet or a great teacher — He is the Son of God, truly God and truly man.
“Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary”
Jesus’ birth was miraculous. Mary, a young woman full of faith, said “yes” to God’s plan.
“Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried”
Jesus truly suffered and died for our sins. This is not a myth — it happened in real history, under a real Roman governor.
“On the third day He rose again from the dead”
This is the heart of our faith! Jesus conquered death. Because He lives, we too will live.
“I believe in the Holy Spirit”
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, the one who guides, strengthens, and comforts us.
“The holy catholic Church, the communion of saints”
We belong to a worldwide family of believers — not just those alive today, but all the saints in heaven and the souls in purgatory.
“The forgiveness of sins”
God always forgives those who repent with sincere hearts.
“The resurrection of the body, and life everlasting”
We believe that our bodies will be raised on the last day, and we will live forever with God.
Discussion Questions
- Which part of the Creed is most meaningful to you? Why?
- Which part do you find most difficult to understand?
- How does believing in the resurrection of the body comfort you?
Pray the Creed daily and let it shape your life!