Why We Should Embrace the Historic Creeds

Many evangelical Christians today are wary of creeds, preferring the slogan "No creed but Christ" or "No creed but the Bible." While this sentiment is understandable, it misses something important: the historic creeds of the church are not competitors with Scripture (they are not inspired), but faithful summaries of biblical truth.

The Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, Athanasian Creed, and Chalcedonian Creed represent the Spirit-guided consensus of the early church on essential Christian doctrines. They distill the Bible's teaching on the Trinity, the person and work of Christ, and the nature of salvation. When we confess these creeds, we join our voices with millions of believers across two millennia who have proclaimed the same faith (Jude 3).

Furthermore, the creeds can help to protect us from error. History clearly shows that every generation faces theological challenges and heresies. The early church fathers hammered out these creeds in response to false teachings that threatened to undermine the gospel itself. By embracing these creeds, we benefit from the church's hard-won wisdom and avoid trying to reinvent the wheel -- or worse, repeating ancient errors.

The creeds unite us with the universal church. In our fragmented Christian context, the historic creeds remind us that we are part of something far bigger than our local congregation or affiliation. For example, when we recite the Nicene Creed, we confess the same faith as believers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and of the millions of our Christian brothers and sisters who have gone before us.

Finally, the creeds are pastorally helpful. They give Christians a concise, memorable way to understand and articulate their faith (1 Pet. 3:15). They teach us what is essential and what is secondary, helping us to maintain unity where it matters most (Eph. 4:3-6).

The historic creeds are a gift from our faithful forebears. Let's receive them with gratefulness.

Posted by Frederick R. Eaton

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