THE ARTICLES OF FAITH

The Apostles’ Creed Explained

The Creed is a summary of the principal truths of the Christian faith. This guide follows the traditional twelve-article division commonly used in catechetical instruction.

1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth

There is one God, eternal, infinite and uncreated. God is the first cause and Creator of all things visible and invisible. The first article teaches belief in God’s existence, fatherhood, almighty power and creative work.

2. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, true God and true man. He is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, consubstantial with the Father, and the one Lord and Redeemer.

3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary

The Son of God took a true human nature by the power of the Holy Ghost and was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Incarnation is the mystery of the Word made flesh.

4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried

Our Lord freely suffered and died for the redemption of mankind. His Passion and death are historical events and the saving sacrifice by which He reconciled us to God.

5. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead

Christ truly died and His soul descended to the abode of the just who awaited the Redeemer. On the third day He rose bodily from the dead, conquering death.

6. He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty

The risen Christ ascended body and soul into heaven. He reigns in glory with the Father and intercedes for His Church.

7. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead

Christ will come again in glory. All will be judged; the Creed here professes the final judgment at the end of time. Catholic teaching also holds that each soul undergoes a particular judgment immediately after death.

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, true God with the Father and the Son. He sanctifies souls and gives life to the Church.

9. The holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints

Christ founded one Church, which is holy, catholic and apostolic. The communion of saints expresses the spiritual union of the faithful on earth, the souls being purified, and the saints in glory.

10. The forgiveness of sins

Christ entrusted His Church with the ministry of reconciliation. Sins are forgiven through the grace of God, especially in Baptism and the Sacrament of Penance.

11. The resurrection of the body

At the end of time the bodies of all the dead will rise and be reunited with their souls. The human person is destined for eternity.

12. And life everlasting. Amen.

The just will enjoy eternal life with God; those who die in unrepented mortal sin are separated from Him. Christian hope rests on God’s mercy and the promises of Christ.

Sources for further study: The Catechism of the Council of Trent, the Baltimore Catechism and the Catechism of St Pius X. This is an introductory explanation, not a substitute for the full catechisms.