Apostles Creed Prayer
The Apostles’ Creed Prayer is one of the oldest and most important statements of Christian belief. It summarizes the basic teachings of the Catholic faith in a simple and powerful way. When Catholics pray this Creed, they are declaring their belief in God, the holy Church, and the core truths of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. This prayer helps strengthen faith, remind believers of the truth, and unite them with other Christians across time and place.
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,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended to the dead.
On the third day, He rose again;
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.
The Origins of the Apostles’ Creed
Did the Apostles Write the Creed?
The Apostles’ Creed Prayer is named after the Apostles, the first followers of Jesus Christ. While the Apostles did not write the Creed itself, it is based on their teachings. The earliest forms of this prayer go back to the early Church when new believers had to confess their faith before baptism.
By the second century, the Creed took shape as a summary of the Christian faith. Over time, it became an official prayer of the Catholic Church, used in daily life, ministry, and giving testimony to the truth of Jesus Christ.
Why Was the Apostles’ Creed Needed?
The early Church faced false teachings that confused people about Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the nature of God. The Creed helped protect the truth by providing a clear statement of faith. It also served as a way for all Christians to be united in their beliefs, no matter where they lived.
As St. Paul wrote, “Hold the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me in faith and in the love which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). The Creed ensures that Catholics and other Christians continue to hold to the true faith passed down from the Apostles.
Breaking Down the Apostles’ Creed
Each line of the Apostles’ Creed Prayer carries deep meaning. It is a summary of the entire Bible, covering everything from creation to heaven.
Belief in God the Father
“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.”
This first statement affirms that there is only one God who made everything. Calling Him “Father” reminds believers that He loves them as His children.
Scripture confirms this: “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all” (Ephesians 4:6).
Belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God
“I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord…”
This declares that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, not just a great teacher. He is both fully God and fully human. As the Bible says, “And we have seen, and do testify, that the Father hath sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14).
The Virgin Birth and Christ’s Suffering
“…who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried…”
These lines remind believers of the holy miracle of Christ’s birth and the great suffering He endured for sins. His death was not an accident; it was the way He chose to give His life for humanity’s forgiveness.
Jesus’ Descent, Resurrection, and Ascension
“He descended to the dead. On the third day, He rose again; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.”
This part of the Creed describes Jesus Christ’s victory over death. His resurrection proves that death is not the end. His ascension to heaven shows that He is ruling with God the Father.
The Final Judgment
“From there, He will come to judge the living and the dead.”
Jesus Christ will return at the end of time. Everyone will be judged based on their faith and actions. Those who follow Him will receive eternal life.
Belief in the Holy Spirit and the Church
“I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints…”
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity. He guides the Church, strengthens believers, and helps them live holy lives. The “communion of saints” refers to all members of the Church, both living and deceased, who are united in faith.
Forgiveness of Sins and Eternal Life
“…the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.”
This final part expresses the hope of all Catholics—that sins can be forgiven, the body will be raised on the last day, and those who follow God will have eternal life in heaven.
As Jesus Christ said, “He that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live” (John 11:25).
The Apostles’ Creed in Daily Life
The Apostles’ Creed Prayer is not just a prayer for Mass; it is meant to be lived out every day. Here’s how it can shape a person’s life:
Strengthening Personal Faith
Saying the Creed regularly reminds believers of what they truly believe. It helps them stay firm in their faith, even when the news or the world around them challenges it.
Teaching the Next Generation
Parents and ministry leaders use the Creed to teach children about God and the Church. It is a simple way to pass on the Catholic faith.
Defending the Faith
Knowing the Apostles’ Creed helps Catholics explain their faith to others. It provides a quick and clear summary of what they believe and why.
Praying with the Universal Church
Every time a person says the Creed, they are giving the same testimony as millions of Catholics throughout history. This connects them to the Church across time and space.
Final Thoughts on the Apostles’ Creed
The Apostles’ Creed Prayer is more than words—it is a commitment to follow Jesus Christ. It teaches the core truths of the Christian faith, strengthens believers, and unites the holy Church. By praying and living out this Creed, every Catholic can grow closer to God and prepare for eternal life in heaven.
Access All Prayers of the Rosary
For your convenience, we offer a PDF containing all the prayers of the Rosary (available for desktop and tablet users). This free resource can be downloaded, shared, and printed to help with learning and memorizing the Rosary.
In addition, you can explore our dedicated webpage, All Prayers of the Rosary, where you’ll find each prayer clearly listed and explained.
Click the button below to download the PDF and deepen your devotion to the Rosary.
Charles Rogers is a resident of South Carolina and a retired computer programmer by trade. Raised in various Christian denominations, he always believed in Jesus Christ. In 2012, he began experiencing authentic spiritual encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led him on a seven-year journey at her hand, that included alcohol addiction, a widow maker heart attack and death and conversion to the Catholic Faith. He is the exclusive author and owner of Two Percent Survival, a website dedicated to and created in honor of the Holy Mother. Feel free to email Charles at twopercentsurvival@gmail.com.
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Last Publish: February 6, 2025