The Apostles' Creed
The Ancient Rule of Faith
The Apostles' Creed is the oldest and simplest summary of Christian belief, used since the early church as a baptismal confession and statement of orthodox faith.
About the Apostles' Creed
Everything you need to understand this historic confession — its origins, its theology, and its enduring place in the life of the Church.
Adopted c. 140 AD (final form c. 700 AD)
Forged by the Early Church Tradition, the Apostles' Creed has guided Christian thought and worship for centuries — a confession tested by time and affirmed by the Church.
Theological Clarity
The Apostles' Creed answers the most essential questions of the Christian faith — who God is, who Christ is, and what the Church believes together. Explore it article by article.
One Faith, Shared Heritage
With 33,000 denominations and one Church, the historic creeds are our common ground. This site exists to make that shared heritage clearly explained and freely available to every believer, student, and seeker.
Why This Site Exists
The Apostles' Creed is the oldest and simplest summary of Christian belief, used since the early church as a baptismal confession and statement of orthodox faith.
The Heavenly Network, in partnership with The Christian Chain, has developed this network of Church Creed and Confession sites in order to make the historic faith of the Church clearly explained, faithfully presented, and freely accessible to every believer, student, and seeker who wants to understand what the whole Church has always believed together.
Ephesians 4:4–6"There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all."
Ecumenical Tradition — c. 140 AD (final form c. 700 AD)
Early Church Tradition
Latest Articles
Explore our most recent writing on this creed — its history, theology, and ongoing significance for the church today.
Born of the Virgin Mary: Why the Incarnation Is the Heart of the Creed
"Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary" — in twelve words, the Apostles' Creed makes one of the most extraordinary claims in human history. Here's what Christians have believed about the incarnation and why it remains central to the faith.
By Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.
Ordained Minister, M.Div.
Date
April 11, 2026
God the Father Almighty: What the Apostles' Creed Teaches About Creation
The very first article of the Apostles' Creed — "I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth" — packs an enormous amount of theology into a single sentence. Here's what it means and why it still matters.
By Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.
Ordained Minister, M.Div.
Date
April 4, 2026
What Does "I Believe" Mean? The Personal Claim of the Apostles' Creed
The Apostles' Creed doesn't open with "We believe" — it opens with "I believe." That word choice is deliberate, and it has shaped how Christians understand faith, commitment, and personal confession for nearly two thousand years.
By Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.
Ordained Minister, M.Div.
Date
March 28, 2026