Build Up God’s People In "Sound Doctrine"
Written by Administrator Thursday, 17 May 2007 11:33
Creeds have always been an important expression of the doctrine of the church. Through the centuries, battles have been fought and won for the truth, and this truth was affirmed through a statement of belief – a creed.
In the fourth century A.D. a heretic by the name of Arius began to question the deity of Christ saying that Jesus was a “creation” of God – not of the substance or nature of God. The issue was critical. On this day – May 20 – in the year 325, the emperor Constantine called for a gathering of church leaders to settle the matter regarding what the Bible taught about the person of Christ. Here is their declaration of faith known as the Nicene Creed:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.
Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe one holy catholic [i.e. “universal”] and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Did you notice how strongly and clearly the doctrine of Christ was stated?
Battles for truth continue in our own day where doctrine is seen as old-fashioned and obsolete even by church leaders! We need to listen again to the heart of the apostle Paul who repeatedly urged the church and its leaders to build up God’s people in “sound doctrine.” First and foremost, the church is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15) and its leaders are to be “holding fast the faithful word” (Titus 1:9). Be ever thankful and prayerful for those churches and leaders who do guard the truth and proclaim it! -- Sparky