What must a Christian believe? We could answer that with one word – gospel. But a question still stands; is that all that Christians need to believe?

Yes, the gospel is necessary for salvation, but what about all the other doctrines we find in scripture? If we get the gospel right, are we free to sweep those other doctrines under our theological rug and still be called Christians?

The Heidelberg Catechism helps us answer this question by introducing us to the Apostles’ Creed - an article of the Christian faith that has been confessed throughout the world for more than 1,500 years. Questions 22-58 of the Heidelberg Catechism are a running commentary on this creed.

In the High School Ministry, we have enjoyed being immersed in this creed for a few months. Here is the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son our Lord:

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary:

Suffered under Pontius Pilate: was crucified, dead, and buried:

He descended into hell: The third day he rose again from the dead:

He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:

From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:

I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy catholic church, the communion of saints:

The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

As a refresher, a creed is a brief and summary form of the Christian faith. It’s called “Apostles’” not because the apostles wrote it, but because it contains the substance of the apostles’ doctrines seen throughout the texts of scripture. 

It is simple yet profound, being organized through the structure of the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

So what must we believe? The Apostles’ Creed helps all believers remember the chief points within the Christian faith. While these points are numerous, one thing the creed succinctly does is distinguish the believer from the unbeliever.

Christianity is a religion - a system of faith. If someone denies any of the key doctrines within the Christian faith, as seen in the Apostles’ Creed, they are not a part of historical Christianity.

On a more positive note, the Apostles’ Creed is such a great encouragement to the church even today. The writers of this creed took on the painstaking task of formulating a creed that encompasses the whole council of God.

Is there more in the Bible than what the Apostles’ Creed confesses? Absolutely! But what are the key points that every Christian must believe in order to be considered a Christian?

Let’s go back to the answer of question 22 in the Heidelberg Catechism: “Everything God has promised us in the gospel. That gospel is summarized for us in the articles of our Christian faith - a creed beyond doubt, and confessed throughout the world.”