The Apostles’ Creed
THE FIRST ARTICLE
Catechism pp 99-115
I Believe
Can anyone else sleep, eat, learn for you? Certainly not!
Why do we, as Christians, say “I believe . . .”?
Your faith must be in your heart.
The Unique Dimensions of a Box
HEIGHT
WIDTH
DEPTHThree Distinct Dimensions
Not confused
Unique Identity
Unity of Purpose
Single Space
The Father AlmightyWhy is the order important?
We come to know the indisputable love of a perfect Father . . .
Who uses His power to save rather than destroy.
An Almighty Father would intimidate by His power, making it difficult to recognize His love.
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; He puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him. For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. Psalm 33:6-9
The Apostles’
Creed
THE SECOND ARTICLE
Catechism pp 115-143
Person of Jesus
TRUE MANCalled ManHuman Body & SoulHuman Actions
TRUE GODDivine Names
Divine AttributesWorks of God
United in One Person by the
VIRGIN BIRTH
So He Could
Be Under the LawDie in Our Place
Keep the Law PerfectlyRedeem All PeopleOur Savior
The Work of Jesus
Redemption
Reconciliation
Justification
Purchased for God
Made Friends Again with God
Acquitted; Declared Innocent, Holy, Perfect for Jesus’ Sake
1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Titus 2:14
At-one-ment
JUSTIFICATION
God as Judge Demands
Jesus as Defender Pleads
PunishmentBloodDeath
PunishedBled for themDied for them
Arrogant Unbelief . . . . . . . . . . . Death
Humble Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . Life
The Steps of Jesus’ The Steps of Jesus’ Humiliation::
Conceived
BornSuffered
Crucified
Died
Buried
The Steps of Jesus’ Exaltation
Descended into Hell
Resurrection
Ascension
Seated at God’s Right Hand
Coming Again to Judge
Jesus will Return!
The Christian Responds
That I Might Live
Righteousness Innocence BlessednessCovered by His
HolinessHate Sin Do His Will
Cheerfully, Gladly Doing His Will
Imperfectly Now Perfectly in Heaven
The Apostles’ Creed
THE THIRD
ARTICLE
THE THIRD
ARTICLE
Catechism pp 144-168
What is My Natural, Spiritual Condition?
Ephesians 2:1 Dead in trespasses and sins.
1 Peter 2:25 Like sheep going astray. (lost)
Acts 26:17-18 In the dark, needing eyes to be opened. (blind)
Psalm 82:5 Knowing, understanding nothing.
Romans 8:6-7 The sinful mind is hostile to God.
SANCTIFICATIONCALLED
By the Gospel
In the Word In the Sacraments
The Means of GraceThe Means of Grace
Out of the Unbelieving
World
To be Holy by Faith
in Jesus
CHRIST’S REDEMPTIONBecomes Mine
Through
FAITH
Impossible by the Sinful Nature
Possible Only by the Work of the
Holy Spirit Through the GospelDead in Sin Enemy of God
SANCTIFIED TO DO GOOD WORKS
Ephesians 2:10 We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.
Philippians 2:13 It is God who works in you to will and to do His good purpose.
What Makes a Good Work a Good Work?What Makes a Good Work a Good Work?
We can be the Church, under the guidance and blessing of the Holy
Spirit, when we work together, using the gifts God has given us to build up one another in worship
and service to God.
How will you be the Church?How will you be the Church?