Statement of Faith
A Statement of Faith, also known as a creed, is a list of things that an individual or group believes. Most Christian groups either have their own version, or simply adopt one of the many popular ones, like the Nicene Creed or Old Roman Symbol.There are several reasons these documents are important, but the only one I'll mention here is that they provide solid proof that we share the same core beliefs.
Now, a Statement of Faith doesn't need to list every little thing that a group believes in - it just needs to cover the most important things.
Below is a summary of what I believe. This summary largely follows the Nicene Creed, but I've tried to phrase everything as clearly as possible and I've added some additional points that the Nicene Creed doesn't address.
My Statement of Faith
I believe in one God, a Trinity of three Persons sharing the same Essence.That all three Persons existed before Time,
and took part in the Creation of our universe.
I believe in God the Father, who is Spirit,
and cannot be contained by physical matter.
He is without limit, be it in power, knowledge, or location.
I believe in Jesus Christ, who is God the Son.
He was not made nor is He part of God's Creation,
for it was through and for Him that all things were made.
In order to save mankind, He took on our Nature,
becoming human by being born as the child of the Virgin Mary.
In time, He was tried by Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
On the third day He rose again,
fulfilling what had been written in the Scriptures.
He later ascended into Heaven,
and is now seated at the right hand of God,
waiting to return in Glory,
and to judge the living and the dead.
From there His Kingdom will never end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity,
who is not a force or energy, but like the Father is Spirit, without body.
He inspires and teaches us, leading us to God and helping us to do His Will,
and like the Father and the Son, is deserving of adoration and glory.
I believe that there is one pure and holy Christian faith,
imparted to us first by the prophets, later taught by Christ, and
finally spread by the work of the Apostiles and those they appointed.
This one true Message is now available to us through the Holy Scriptures,
which provide instruction and are our litmus test of God's Truth.
I also believe that Satan and his demons exist,
that they were once holy angels,
and that by abusing their free will chose to rebel against God and His Truth.
They now roam freely on the Earth, seeking ways to bring misery
to mankind and create confusion among God's people.
However, they do not have the power to make people sin,
and we can use our free will to sin without their influence.
In time, Satan and his followers will be cast away forever,
but God has promised to forgive our sins,
and purify us so that we may join Him in Heaven for eternity.
We attain this forgiveness through the acceptance of His Son,
and formally show our acceptance through the rite of baptism.
For now, I await the day when Christ returns,
and trust in the plans He's made for my life.