Chris’ Considerations

The word “creed” comes from the Latin credo “I believe.” Creeds are brief statements of belief. The word “confession” also comes from Latin; con- which signifies completeness and fari which means to speak. Confessions are more complete statements of belief, but of course not exhaustive. Finally, the word “catechism” is a development of “catechize” which comes from the Greek construction, katechizein which means “to din into the ears”. Catechisms are series of questions and answers, desgined to be learned, that teach and instruct the reader in core truths about the Christian faith.

Historically many creeds and confessions have been drawn up to unite Christians around re-statements of the Biblical faith. They have often been issued at times to clarify truth when some have been in error.

The historic Christian faith is revealed in Holy Scripture alone. However it is expressed, as far as they faithfully explain the Bible, in numerous creeds and confessions. I have included here some, what I hope, are good examples. Remember, not every creed and confession that has been produced is sound. Do check what they say agrees with the Bible (Acts 17:11). Not all these confessions would agree with each other in every point, but I hope you will see how in the essential gospel truths there is unity. Please do let me know if you think otherwise! (N.b. these links are all offsite).

Ancient Creeds

Apostles Creed
Nicene Creed (325AD & 381AD)
Athanasian Creed
Creed of Chalcedon (451AD)

Reformation Confessions

Augsberg Confession (1530) - Lutheran

The Three Forms of Unity
Heidelberg Catechism (1563) - Reformed
Canons of the Synod of Dordt (1618-1619) -Reformed
Belgic Confession (1619) - Reformed

Thirty Nine Articles (1571) - Anglican
Book of Common Prayer (1662) - Anglican

Westminster Confession (1647) - Presbyterian
Westminster Larger Catechism (1647) - Presbyterian
Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647) - Presbyterian

Savoy Declaration (1658) - Congregationalist
London Baptist Confession (1689) - Baptist

Later Statements of Faith

New Hampshire Confession (1833) - Baptist
Abstract of Principles (1853) - Baptist

Contemporary Statements of Faith

Chigcago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (1978)
Crosslinks Statement of Faith - Anglican Evangelical Mission Agency (1986)
Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (1988)
CPAS Basis of Faith - Anglican Evangelical Organisation (c. 1990)
Refom Covenant - Anglican Evangelical group (c. 1993)
The Gospel of Jesus Christ: An Evangelical Celebration (1999)
Cambridge Declaration (1996) - Non-denominational
Desiring God Affirmation of Faith and Catechism (2000s)
Together For the Gospel Affirmations and Denials (2006)
Gospel Coalition Foundation Documents (2007)
UCCF Doctrinal Basis - Non-denominational
South East Gospel Partnership - Non-denominational

You may also be interested in a couple of posts I wrote on the importance of confessions of faith: Part One and Part Two, as well as my Annoted Biography, all taken from the Reformed Theology & the Church of England series.