“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” — Galatians 2:20 (BSB)
“For this reason I also suffer as I do. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” — 2 Timothy 1:12 (BSB)
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” — Hebrews 11:6 (BSB)
“Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” — 1 Corinthians 12:3 (BSB)
This personal confession connects the believer to the universal Church. Although the Creed is often said in corporate worship, the words are individual and intentional. Each believer must truly say, “I believe,” echoing Romans 10:9–10, where confession and faith are both personal and necessary for salvation. In Anglican liturgy, this individual affirmation is integrated into the shared voice of the Church, forming one body through one common faith.
The Book of Common Prayer places the Apostles’ Creed in Morning and Evening Prayer, and it is recited in baptism as a personal pledge. At baptism, parents and godparents speak the Creed on behalf of the child, and in confirmation, the individual affirms it for themselves. Article VIII of the Thirty-Nine Articles affirms the use of the Creed as a sufficient summary of Christian doctrine, rooted in Scripture and essential for belief.
Bishop J.C. Ryle emphasized that true religion is always personal: “It must begin with ‘I believe.’” Without personal faith, no amount of tradition or community can substitute for real trust in Christ. To say “I believe” is to own the truth of the Gospel—to say, “This is not merely what the Church teaches, but what I confess, trust, and live by.” The Creed becomes a daily guide, anchoring the soul in divine truth amidst the changing tides of culture and doubt.
And yet, this individual confession never isolates us. The Creed connects us to the communion of saints across all times and places. When we say “I believe,” we stand with martyrs, reformers, and faithful believers who have confessed the same truth. This is a faith we receive, a faith we live, and a faith we pass on. In speaking the Creed with faith, we fulfill the words of 2 Timothy 1:12—knowing whom we have believed and trusting in His eternal promises.
Irenaeus emphasized that the Church’s faith is confessed individually but shared universally.
Tertullian (c. 155–220 AD) taught: “Now the rule of faith… is that whereby we believe there is one God… and in Christ Jesus, His Son… and in the Holy Spirit.” — Prescription Against Heretics, 13
Tertullian saw personal belief as adherence to the apostolic rule of faith passed down in the Church.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD) instructed: “Learn the Creed word for word, and recite it with all faith. Write it on your heart. Say it not with lips only, but believe with the heart.” — Catechetical Lectures, 5.12
Cyril called believers to internalize the Creed, making it a true expression of personal faith.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) preached: “Let your heart be in your words. What you say with your mouth, believe in your heart, and practice in your life.” — Sermon 58
Augustine saw the confession “I believe” as a commitment that transforms belief into obedience.
St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD) said: “The Creed is a mirror for the soul. Look into it daily to see whether you truly believe what you profess.” — Homilies on the Gospels, 26
Gregory urged believers to let the Creed reflect their true inward faith, not just outward form.
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
