I believe... So what?

The Apostles’ Creed summarises what Christians believe, but not simply to enlarge our understanding. We do need to know and understand our beliefs (Titus 2:1) because sound teaching equips us for Christian living (2 Tim.3:16-17). But the key word there is living. Unless what we believe leads to active discipleship then it isn’t really faith at all (James 2:19).

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If we truly believe what the Bible (and the Creed) say about God then that will inevitably lead to a response towards him from our hearts. Because of what he has said, we will seek him and find him (Matt.7:7-8). It is by grace we are saved, but we take hold of this by faith i.e. a turning towards God in repentance, trusting that all that he has promised to those who believe in Jesus is true (Eph.2:8; Acts 2:38-39).

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So faith is not assenting to a set of beliefs, but, because of those beliefs, trusting and relying on God both for our salvation and then for our daily living. This results in glad and willing obedience to Jesus, looking to put into practice as best we can what he has taught us (Matt.7:24-27; Rom.1:5). Faith like this provides a solid basis for our joy and peace in him, whatever struggles life brings (2 Cor.5:7; 1 Pet.1:6-9).