The main thing

Exam season is upon us and for those facing exams, there is a lot to learn.  When studying for an exam, we want to know the main points; key things to remember and get down in your answer. When is comes to the Christian faith - what is the main thing?  What are the key points for us to know, understand and put our faith in? What is a good summary of our faith? It is to that question the catechism now turns, and rather than reinvent the wheel, the answer has been tried and tested down through history and across the world.

Q31.  What do we believe by true faith?

A.  Everything taught to us in the gospel.  The Apostles' Creed expresses what we believe in these words:

We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker 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.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 gome to judge the living and the dead.

We 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.

Some points to note:

• A creed which unites

It is often said that 'doctrine divides'; here however, we have a doctrinal statement which unites the whole church. The Apostles Creed was written in the 2nd Century AD.  It wasn't written by the Apostles, rather it seeks to summarise all the Apostles taught. Since it was written, there have been various divisions in the church.  Yet, each church still accepts this creed.  From Roman Catholics, to Reform Presbyterians.  Baptists and Orthodox - this is a creed which unites.

• A creed which teaches

As people repeat this creed in worship services they declare who God is - Father, Son and Spirit. As they read it online, in catechisms and service books, they learn who God is - Father, Son and Spirit. As they trust God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they recieve the benefits this creed proclaims.  They become part of the one Holy, Catholic Church, enjoy communion with saints across the world and down through history, are assured their sins are forgiven and have the hope of resurrection and life everlasting.