We most commonly say the Apostles’ Creed together, but it is expressed as a personal statement of belief. The Creed certainly expresses the importance of church and the “communion of the saints”, but this individual expression guards us from simply acceding to what the ‘tribe’ or group believe.

To say the Creed is to state your own belief in these fundamental truths. The moment when someone says, “I believe…” is a moment of great anticipation; what follows reveals something of his or her inner thoughts. It also invites further enquiry. Why does he or she believe this, and on what basis? How is this belief lived out?

In this study, we will look at the biblical basis of belief and it’s shaping power in the life of the believer.

While the Creed is not the Bible, we have no reason to doubt that it uses terms from the Bible in the way the biblical authors intended them. When they use the Greek term for ‘belief’ (pisteuo), it means more than just mental assent. It means ‘to be persuaded of; to place one’s confidence in, to trust’. It’s the basis for action. The term for ‘faith’ (pistis) comes from the same family of words. As James 2:17 states, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”.

What were the key steps that brought you to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord?

What do you say to those who claim Christians have ‘blind faith’—faith that is a blind leap into the dark because there is no evidence?

According to these passages, what basis for belief has God provided?

• Romans 1:18-20

• Isaiah 46:8-13

• 2 Peter 1:16-21