Lesson 3: The Apostle's Creed PDF

Lesson 3: The Apostle`s Creed  PRAYER Lord, we offer to you our class today. We pray that through your Divine Guidance, We would learn how to listen attentively to the inputs of our teacher. May we appreciate her effort in imparting her knowledge to us. May we particip...

Lesson 3: The Apostle`s Creed  PRAYER Lord, we offer to you our class today. We pray that through your Divine Guidance, We would learn how to listen attentively to the inputs of our teacher. May we appreciate her effort in imparting her knowledge to us. May we participate actively in the discussions and activities, so we could learn more. Can share what you already know about the Apostle`s Creed? History of the Apostle`s Creed The Apostle's Creed is an ancient statement of faith that traces its origins back to the early centuries of Christianity. While precise authorship is unknown, the Creed is traditionally attributed to the Apostles, particularly the Twelve Apostles, hence its name.  Early Origins and Development the Roots in Early Christian Baptismal Rites in 1st-2nd Century: The origins of the Apostles' Creed can be traced back to the early baptismal confessions used by Christians. These early confessions were simple statements of faith made by converts during their baptism. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 8 Key Beliefs in the Apostle`s Creed The Apostle's Creed is a concise statement of faith that articulates key beliefs held by Catholics and other Christian traditions. Here are some of the central beliefs outlined in the Apostle's Creed: 10 1. Belief in God the Father: The Creed begins by affirming belief in God the Father Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, emphasizing God's role as the supreme and all powerful Creator 11 2. Belief in Jesus Christ: The Apostle's Creed professes faith in Jesus Christ as the only Son of God, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. It underscores Jesus's humanity, divinity, and sacrificial death for the salvation of humanity. 12 3. Resurrection and Ascension: The Creed declares belief in the resurrection of Jesus on the third day after His crucifixion and His ascension into Heaven, affirming Christ's victory over sin and death. 13 4. Belief in the Holy Spirit: The Apostle's Creed acknowledges the Holy Spirit as the third Person of the Trinity, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. It emphasizes the divine presence and role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers and the Church. 14 5. Belief in the Church, Forgiveness, and Eternal Life: The Creed expresses belief in the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. These beliefs highlight the importance of the Christian community, the forgiveness of sins through Christ, and the hope of eternal life. These key beliefs articulated in the Apostle's Creed serve as a foundational summary of the Christian faith, encapsulating core doctrines about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the Church, and the afterlife 15 HOW IS THE APOSTLE’S CREED DIFFERENT FORM THE NICENE CREED? The Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed are two important statements of faith in Christianity, particularly in the Catholic Church. While both creeds express core beliefs of the Christian faith, they differ in terms of origin, length, and theological emphasis. 18 1. Origin: The Apostle's Creed is an ancient creed that developed gradually over time, likely originating in the baptismal creed of the Roman Church in the 2nd century. It is traditionally attributed to the Apostles. In contrast, the Nicene Creed was formulated during the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325 and expanded at the First Council of Constantinople in AD 381 to combat heresies like Arianism. 19 2. Length: The Apostle's Creed is shorter and more concise than the Nicene Creed. The Apostle's Creed consists of twelve articles, while the Nicene Creed is longer and more detailed, particularly in its explication of the Trinity and the divinity of Christ. 20 3. Theological Emphasis: The Apostle's Creed emphasizes the personal faith of the believer in God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as well as key events in the life of Jesus Christ. It is often used in personal devotion and catechesis. On the other hand, the Nicene Creed places a greater emphasis on doctrinal precision and theological formulation, particularly regarding the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is used in liturgical settings to express the Church's unified faith. 21  ACTIVITY CREATE A POEM THAT REFLECTS A PART OF THE APOSTLE`S CREED. AFTERWARDS, SHARE YOUR POEM WITH THE CLASS AND EXPLAIN HOW IT CONNECTS TO THE APOSTLE`S CREED.