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What We Believe: Understanding and Confessing the Apostles' Creed
What do Christians believe about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the church, salvation, eternal life, and more? This contemporary classic from theologian R. C. Sproul provides a matchless introduction to the basics of the Christian faith.
222 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2015
42 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
673 books2,004 followersDr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.
Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.
He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.
Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 4, 2017
A refreshing flyover survey of basic Christian doctrine structured around the Apostles' Creed.
November 4, 2024
I purchased this book for preparation for a preaching / teaching series on the Apostles' Creed. The book is classic Sproul. Biblical and reformed theology, a healthy dose of historical theology and cultural analysis, and a presentation that is equal parts accessible and challenging for the average lay person.
December 23, 2015
The Apostles' Creed for the 21st Century
In the every day of my walking-around life, heart and mind collaborate. Putting a note in my patient husband’s lunch communicates love, but, in my case, it is likely to be motivated by knowledge: he’s having a rough week; he did something terrific that I want to thank him for; the day ahead holds special challenges.
Truth about God can work in a similar way, directing the heart’s affection toward action, and although I am not from a tradition that uses creeds or written prayers in corporate worship, I have found that ancient words play an important role in framing my thoughts when I ponder the nature of God. In What We Believe, R.C. Sproul has unrolled the parchment to display the Apostles’ Creed, clarifying and applying it line by line, phrase by phrase to life here on the ground in the 21st century so that the glorious truth of words from A.D. 700 can pour forth for the benefit of both heart and mind.
His outline is straightforward and provides the biblical basis for each tenet, including some of the more puzzling references. For example, I have always felt uneasy about the inclusion of the concept of Jesus’ descending into hell because He is so clear on the day of His crucifixion that He would see the thief “in paradise.” He also commits His spirit to the Father at the point of death, and neither reference supports the possibility of a missionary journey to hell. R.C. Sproul concludes, along with John Calvin and other Reformers, that the “descent into hell” should be understood as a spiritual reality: as Jesus hung forsaken by God on the cross, He experienced “the full torment of hell” for us. Dr. Sproul doesn’t address the inconsistency of listing a “spiritual reality” in the same breath as the stunning physical realities of conception, birth, execution, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, but I was helped in my thinking, nonetheless.
Turning the pages of What We Believe, five big-picture truths were reinforced for me:
1. When it comes to faith, content (or the object of faith) is key. The Christian is called to a faith in particular, not merely a faith “in faith,” or a warm feeling of hopefulness.
2.Intellectual assent to truth is insufficient. “Faith loves truth,” but more importantly, it “delights in Christ,” the Object of our faith.
3. The Apostles’ Creed speaks from the assumption of an open universe in which the natural laws (like everything else) are God’s, and He is able to step into His creation for the purpose of causing extraordinary events such as the virgin birth and the resurrection. It’s a nice bonus when science and Scripture sing in harmony, but my faith will not be jettisoned by lack of physical proof that a virgin birth could be replicated.
4.The Christian faith is unmistakably Trinitarian. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are God and each is addressed in The Creed. Chapter 11 is a clear and helpful expansion of the Creed’s six-word assertion about the third member of the Trinity, including Old Testament references to the Spirit, and the Spirit’s role in regeneration and sanctification.
5.Christianity is social, not solitary. The nurturing of and the practice of correct theology happen in the context of “the communion of saints,” but the publication of the Gospel will only occur as Christians become embedded in the lives of those outside the church. “In the world but not of the world” is wildly foundational to the amphibious life of the believer, and so we need one another as anchors and ballast.
Here on this planet we will only begin to understand the nature of God. The Bible presents an abundance of truth and theology provides mental file folders for organizing that truth. Credal statements serve to summarize the content of belief so that the truth can be succinctly spoken or held up and examined for teaching and inspiration. The words of the Apostles’ Creed are a path toward a still place where the affirmation of beliefs in a renewed mind kindles love in a heart that has been set free by truth.
This book was provided by BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
In the every day of my walking-around life, heart and mind collaborate. Putting a note in my patient husband’s lunch communicates love, but, in my case, it is likely to be motivated by knowledge: he’s having a rough week; he did something terrific that I want to thank him for; the day ahead holds special challenges.
Truth about God can work in a similar way, directing the heart’s affection toward action, and although I am not from a tradition that uses creeds or written prayers in corporate worship, I have found that ancient words play an important role in framing my thoughts when I ponder the nature of God. In What We Believe, R.C. Sproul has unrolled the parchment to display the Apostles’ Creed, clarifying and applying it line by line, phrase by phrase to life here on the ground in the 21st century so that the glorious truth of words from A.D. 700 can pour forth for the benefit of both heart and mind.
His outline is straightforward and provides the biblical basis for each tenet, including some of the more puzzling references. For example, I have always felt uneasy about the inclusion of the concept of Jesus’ descending into hell because He is so clear on the day of His crucifixion that He would see the thief “in paradise.” He also commits His spirit to the Father at the point of death, and neither reference supports the possibility of a missionary journey to hell. R.C. Sproul concludes, along with John Calvin and other Reformers, that the “descent into hell” should be understood as a spiritual reality: as Jesus hung forsaken by God on the cross, He experienced “the full torment of hell” for us. Dr. Sproul doesn’t address the inconsistency of listing a “spiritual reality” in the same breath as the stunning physical realities of conception, birth, execution, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, but I was helped in my thinking, nonetheless.
Turning the pages of What We Believe, five big-picture truths were reinforced for me:
1. When it comes to faith, content (or the object of faith) is key. The Christian is called to a faith in particular, not merely a faith “in faith,” or a warm feeling of hopefulness.
2.Intellectual assent to truth is insufficient. “Faith loves truth,” but more importantly, it “delights in Christ,” the Object of our faith.
3. The Apostles’ Creed speaks from the assumption of an open universe in which the natural laws (like everything else) are God’s, and He is able to step into His creation for the purpose of causing extraordinary events such as the virgin birth and the resurrection. It’s a nice bonus when science and Scripture sing in harmony, but my faith will not be jettisoned by lack of physical proof that a virgin birth could be replicated.
4.The Christian faith is unmistakably Trinitarian. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are God and each is addressed in The Creed. Chapter 11 is a clear and helpful expansion of the Creed’s six-word assertion about the third member of the Trinity, including Old Testament references to the Spirit, and the Spirit’s role in regeneration and sanctification.
5.Christianity is social, not solitary. The nurturing of and the practice of correct theology happen in the context of “the communion of saints,” but the publication of the Gospel will only occur as Christians become embedded in the lives of those outside the church. “In the world but not of the world” is wildly foundational to the amphibious life of the believer, and so we need one another as anchors and ballast.
Here on this planet we will only begin to understand the nature of God. The Bible presents an abundance of truth and theology provides mental file folders for organizing that truth. Credal statements serve to summarize the content of belief so that the truth can be succinctly spoken or held up and examined for teaching and inspiration. The words of the Apostles’ Creed are a path toward a still place where the affirmation of beliefs in a renewed mind kindles love in a heart that has been set free by truth.
This book was provided by BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 7, 2016
This book is an exposition of the Apostles' Creed from a Reformed perspective. I think, however, that we would have come close to "understanding" the Creed had the author interacted more with Patristic sources in this book. I understand it is not an ultra-high-brow publication, but I would have liked to have seen more interaction with the Church Fathers - and the author is surely well read in early sources.
Some of the highlights of this book include a refutation of paradox theology. He recognises that some biblical truths are supra-rational mysteries, but such mysteries are still coherent and mutually compatible. Recognising that there are things that we cannot fully understand is not the same thing as demanding that people believe in contradictory propositions under the cover of irreconcilable paradox.
Also, the author's discussion of the distinction between the univocal, equivocal, and analogical use of language was very helpful. Some theologians err by thinking of God as univocally similar to man (e.g. thinking that God's power is just quantitatively greater than ours); others err by thinking that the Bible's language is equivocal, and thus devoid of all real meaning. The use of analogical language, however, properly recognises the distinction between archetypal and ectypal theology. As Dr Sproul says, "It does not provide exhaustive comprehension of God, but neither does it leave us in hopeless ignorance." (p. 35)
Dr Sproul also rejects the notion that the power to do literally anything falls within the scope of divine omnipotence, dismissing such a profane idea as a school-boy error. The basic error underlying this position, Dr Sproul argues, is the assumption that "omnipotence means, univocally, that God can do anything" (p. 49). This position fails to recognise that God's power is qualitatively different to the supposed power of human beings, which is often used in immoral and irrational ways and is a sign of weakness rather than strength. It is also ludicrous to argue that God has the power to do something, but he cannot do something. Why? Because divine omnipotence relates to what God can do. Hence, if God has the power to sin and lie, then God can sin and lie - the irrational sophistry of heretics notwithstanding.
Basically, you will find plenty of good material here in opposition to liberalism, Deism, Process Theology, higher criticism, and other heterodoxy. As an introduction to catholic Christianity from a Reformed perspective, it is pretty useful. There are also some good practical insights concerning the importance of the church and living life in conformity to God's law (which the author describes as theonomy in opposition to autonomy, though seeking to avoid the allegedly "unbiblical extremes" of those who have misused the "t" word [p. 198]). Additionally, he calls for humble interaction with some of the legitimate points raised by Liberationist Theology; though, of course, he rejects the defective theology underlying that movement.
I probably would have given this book 4-stars had it not been based on the Apostles' Creed. As a historian, however, I expect greater interaction with the early sources in a work that purports to exegete a historical document. He did not really help us understand what "descended into hell" means, but, in fairness, he did helpfully highlight the importance to references to the Virgin Mary and Pontius Pilate in the Creed.
Some of the highlights of this book include a refutation of paradox theology. He recognises that some biblical truths are supra-rational mysteries, but such mysteries are still coherent and mutually compatible. Recognising that there are things that we cannot fully understand is not the same thing as demanding that people believe in contradictory propositions under the cover of irreconcilable paradox.
Also, the author's discussion of the distinction between the univocal, equivocal, and analogical use of language was very helpful. Some theologians err by thinking of God as univocally similar to man (e.g. thinking that God's power is just quantitatively greater than ours); others err by thinking that the Bible's language is equivocal, and thus devoid of all real meaning. The use of analogical language, however, properly recognises the distinction between archetypal and ectypal theology. As Dr Sproul says, "It does not provide exhaustive comprehension of God, but neither does it leave us in hopeless ignorance." (p. 35)
Dr Sproul also rejects the notion that the power to do literally anything falls within the scope of divine omnipotence, dismissing such a profane idea as a school-boy error. The basic error underlying this position, Dr Sproul argues, is the assumption that "omnipotence means, univocally, that God can do anything" (p. 49). This position fails to recognise that God's power is qualitatively different to the supposed power of human beings, which is often used in immoral and irrational ways and is a sign of weakness rather than strength. It is also ludicrous to argue that God has the power to do something, but he cannot do something. Why? Because divine omnipotence relates to what God can do. Hence, if God has the power to sin and lie, then God can sin and lie - the irrational sophistry of heretics notwithstanding.
Basically, you will find plenty of good material here in opposition to liberalism, Deism, Process Theology, higher criticism, and other heterodoxy. As an introduction to catholic Christianity from a Reformed perspective, it is pretty useful. There are also some good practical insights concerning the importance of the church and living life in conformity to God's law (which the author describes as theonomy in opposition to autonomy, though seeking to avoid the allegedly "unbiblical extremes" of those who have misused the "t" word [p. 198]). Additionally, he calls for humble interaction with some of the legitimate points raised by Liberationist Theology; though, of course, he rejects the defective theology underlying that movement.
I probably would have given this book 4-stars had it not been based on the Apostles' Creed. As a historian, however, I expect greater interaction with the early sources in a work that purports to exegete a historical document. He did not really help us understand what "descended into hell" means, but, in fairness, he did helpfully highlight the importance to references to the Virgin Mary and Pontius Pilate in the Creed.
February 20, 2023
Essentials
I read R.C Sproul’s “What We Believe” along with two other books (Albert Mohler Jr.’s “The Apostles’ Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits” and J. I. Packer’s “Affirming the Apostles’ Creed”) as resources for leading a Bible study group in a study of the historic creed. Sproul laments the growing indifference to and ignorance of their faith by professing Christians in our postmodern world, and verse-by-verse examines the long-accepted essentials of the true faith and how they relate to the times in which we live. “Creed” comes from the Latin “credo” (I believe) and Sproul effectively shows why this confession must be the foundation upon which we understand our faith in this world that is hostile to any creed of particularism, especially Christianity. Christians need to understand this.
I read R.C Sproul’s “What We Believe” along with two other books (Albert Mohler Jr.’s “The Apostles’ Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits” and J. I. Packer’s “Affirming the Apostles’ Creed”) as resources for leading a Bible study group in a study of the historic creed. Sproul laments the growing indifference to and ignorance of their faith by professing Christians in our postmodern world, and verse-by-verse examines the long-accepted essentials of the true faith and how they relate to the times in which we live. “Creed” comes from the Latin “credo” (I believe) and Sproul effectively shows why this confession must be the foundation upon which we understand our faith in this world that is hostile to any creed of particularism, especially Christianity. Christians need to understand this.
September 12, 2019
This is a very concise primer on theology using the Apostles’ Creed as a backbone. R.C. Sproul has a talent of communication concisely and yet densely, making this book both short and packed full of information! In all of this, his writing style is enjoyable to read.
Sproul’s handling of the Apostles’ Creed also seems fairly well done. He touched on topics I wasn’t expecting to hit when I picked up the book but certainly enjoyed the ride. I would highly recommend this book! It might be more gauged for Christians who are looking for a book that will challenge their theological thinking without being necessarily controversial.
Sproul’s handling of the Apostles’ Creed also seems fairly well done. He touched on topics I wasn’t expecting to hit when I picked up the book but certainly enjoyed the ride. I would highly recommend this book! It might be more gauged for Christians who are looking for a book that will challenge their theological thinking without being necessarily controversial.
June 19, 2024
While this ended abruptly, Sproul manages to cover a fair bit of a vast topic in just a few short pages. The Apostles' Creed by R. Albert Mohler Jr. makes the same attempt to walk step by step through the creed, explaining each piece, and expounding upon why each piece exists.
For Christians, the Apostles' Creed may seem like an obvious condensation from the gospel message of the Bible. It's still helpful to consider each phrase in greater detail as Sproul does here.
For Christians, the Apostles' Creed may seem like an obvious condensation from the gospel message of the Bible. It's still helpful to consider each phrase in greater detail as Sproul does here.
December 27, 2022
This is a solid fleshing out of the Apostles' Creed. Each phrase is explained and amplified. Abundant Scripture references are given. Some of the entries tend more towards sermons, but Dr. Sproul is an outstanding preacher, so it is understandable. The theology is standard, historic, and reformed.
June 2, 2020
R.C. Sproul does a terrific job of explaining the apostles creed and showing how it is important for Christian's to hold to its doctrines in a culture that shifts from one "truth" to another. Any of Dr. Sproul's books are worth reading.
July 8, 2020
RC Sproul is at his best when he's speaking about mere Christianity, and he shows that on this short, accessible but punchy walk through one of the most famous creeds in church history. Definitely a book I would give to a new Christian.
April 25, 2024
Dr. Sproul does a wonderful job walking us through this historic creed. He breaks down the truths of the creed and even talks about why some say "descended into Hell". This is a wonderful book for those looking for a digestible understanding of the creed.
May 22, 2018
This is a very good exposition of the Apostles’ Creed and apologetic concerning the topics covered in the Creed.
March 6, 2020
A great look at the foundations of Christianity as set out in the Apostle’s Creed. Sproul does not make it too complicated for the new concert or too simplistic for the older Christian.
June 19, 2021
A nice easy book to read with some outstanding chapters. Dealing with the Apostles creed the chapters are short and not only draw on Biblical Truth but lessons from philosophy as well.
June 20, 2021
Helpful read of the basics of Christianity!
September 22, 2021
Great. Can't go wrong with Sproul.
June 1, 2024
This was a really good book that outlines clearly and succinctly “what we believe”
January 28, 2016
There are very few religious creeds that are as well known as the great creed of Christianity, the Apostle's Creed. I, for one, can't think of a single one that captures the essence of the religion as well as the creed does of Christianity. It is arguably the most used and most recognized confession in all of Christianity. It is the most highly regarded and trusted expression of Christian doctrine that we have.
Much of the same I believe can be said of R.C. Sproul. As far as theologians are concerned, there are very few who have stood the test of time and have remained a bulwark against the numerous attacks against the gospel as Sproul has. As for his role as a pastor, there is no greater model for me of man who lovingly and faithfully serves the body of Christ.
When you combine these two icons of orthodox fidelity the results promise to be profound. That is what we have in this treasure of a book, What We Believe: Understanding and Confessing the Apostles' Creed. In his usual manner, Sproul interacts with history and language to unpack the meaning of each phrase contained with the Creed. What sets this apart from other expositions on the Creed is the way in which Sproul weaves in various historical understandings of the doctrines, and sets them in contrast to the biblical narrative. One of my favorite examples of this comes near the end of the book when Sproul is addressing the resurrection and eternal life, and addresses the modern liberation theologies of Moltmann and Gutierrez. In here, much like my own feelings, Sproul bemoans the fact that Evangelicalism has largely ignored the issues of poverty and social justice, and yet finds himself at odds with the conclusions of the liberation theologians. This struck a particular chord with me as one who avidly reads Moltmann while offering both a hearty 'amen' and a sadness at his conclusions.
There is much to commend in this book. It is solidly biblical as one would expect from Sproul and surprisingly practical considering the subject matter is a 1600 year old confession. This is a book that I wish every Christian would read. I'm convinced it will do much to solidify their faith.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Books in exchange for an online review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Much of the same I believe can be said of R.C. Sproul. As far as theologians are concerned, there are very few who have stood the test of time and have remained a bulwark against the numerous attacks against the gospel as Sproul has. As for his role as a pastor, there is no greater model for me of man who lovingly and faithfully serves the body of Christ.
When you combine these two icons of orthodox fidelity the results promise to be profound. That is what we have in this treasure of a book, What We Believe: Understanding and Confessing the Apostles' Creed. In his usual manner, Sproul interacts with history and language to unpack the meaning of each phrase contained with the Creed. What sets this apart from other expositions on the Creed is the way in which Sproul weaves in various historical understandings of the doctrines, and sets them in contrast to the biblical narrative. One of my favorite examples of this comes near the end of the book when Sproul is addressing the resurrection and eternal life, and addresses the modern liberation theologies of Moltmann and Gutierrez. In here, much like my own feelings, Sproul bemoans the fact that Evangelicalism has largely ignored the issues of poverty and social justice, and yet finds himself at odds with the conclusions of the liberation theologians. This struck a particular chord with me as one who avidly reads Moltmann while offering both a hearty 'amen' and a sadness at his conclusions.
There is much to commend in this book. It is solidly biblical as one would expect from Sproul and surprisingly practical considering the subject matter is a 1600 year old confession. This is a book that I wish every Christian would read. I'm convinced it will do much to solidify their faith.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Books in exchange for an online review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 8, 2016
R. C. Sproul. What We Believe: Understanding and Confessing the Apostles’ Creed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2015. 224 pp. $13.00.
R. C. Sproul is a household name among reformed evangelicals, and perhaps simply among evangelicals. For years, his books have encouraged, challenged, and at times provoked reformed and non-reformed believers alike. Whether readers are of Sproul’s theological persuasion or not, his works are valuable, rational, and clear.
In this 4th edition of What We Believe, Sproul rereleases one of his foundational books on the basics of Christian doctrine. Formerly released as Renewing Your Mind, this work is a systematic and sequential walk through the Apostles’ Creed.
As I read this book, I found myself encouraged by Sproul’s simple and clear handling of theological concepts such as faith, trinity, Christology, and the church. Since we were in the Christmas season as I read this, I particularly found Sproul’s treatment of the importance of the virgin birth of Christ and the proper view of Mary to be solid reminders of valuable truths.
I also found this writing to be one of Sproul’s most gentle. He certainly does not compromise on any theological truth in the work. Yet, he is not riding any personal, theological hobby horses. For example, though Sproul’s eschatological views are strong enough for him to have written an entire book, he did not use this work to insert any of his nuances into the affirmation that Christ will return.
What We Believe would make a fine book for use in Bible study, either home-based or Sunday School. It is simple, but the truths in this book are foundational. It is Sproul, so the occasional Latin phrase will work its way into the text, but the concepts are still quite readable and understandable for people who come to the book from a variety of backgrounds.
Note: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher.
R. C. Sproul is a household name among reformed evangelicals, and perhaps simply among evangelicals. For years, his books have encouraged, challenged, and at times provoked reformed and non-reformed believers alike. Whether readers are of Sproul’s theological persuasion or not, his works are valuable, rational, and clear.
In this 4th edition of What We Believe, Sproul rereleases one of his foundational books on the basics of Christian doctrine. Formerly released as Renewing Your Mind, this work is a systematic and sequential walk through the Apostles’ Creed.
As I read this book, I found myself encouraged by Sproul’s simple and clear handling of theological concepts such as faith, trinity, Christology, and the church. Since we were in the Christmas season as I read this, I particularly found Sproul’s treatment of the importance of the virgin birth of Christ and the proper view of Mary to be solid reminders of valuable truths.
I also found this writing to be one of Sproul’s most gentle. He certainly does not compromise on any theological truth in the work. Yet, he is not riding any personal, theological hobby horses. For example, though Sproul’s eschatological views are strong enough for him to have written an entire book, he did not use this work to insert any of his nuances into the affirmation that Christ will return.
What We Believe would make a fine book for use in Bible study, either home-based or Sunday School. It is simple, but the truths in this book are foundational. It is Sproul, so the occasional Latin phrase will work its way into the text, but the concepts are still quite readable and understandable for people who come to the book from a variety of backgrounds.
Note: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher.
February 15, 2016
Dr. Sproul is truly a biblical scholar and he communicates as such. He is a scholar for which I hold great respect. What We Believe is the first of his books that I have read; well, attempted to read. Sproul is a theologian and I believe that he is speaking to other theologians. He engages minds and in my case that necessitated the need to become very familiar with my dictionary. I gained knowledge but I felt out of my depth. I need more smarticles. Embarrassing to admit but true.
Many apologists of the Christian Faith exist providing clear scholarship and excellent value. I was drawn to read What We Believe, one of Sproul’s apologetics books, based upon his step-by-step exegesis of the Apostles’ Creed.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe…
in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;
who was
conceived by the Holy Ghost;
born of the Virgin Mary;
suffered under Pontius Pilate;
was crucified, dead, and buried;
he descended into hell;
the third day he arose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from whence he shall come to judge the living 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.
Amen.
In case you are not a theologian as I am let me point out a statement which confused me. My husband cleared it up for me. The statement towards the end of the creed which says “I believe in the holy catholic church” threw me as I am not Catholic. Darrell informed me that the lowercase catholic means the universal or world-wide church as opposed to the uppercase Catholic specifying the Catholic religion.
I received a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to the author and publisher.
For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered
Many apologists of the Christian Faith exist providing clear scholarship and excellent value. I was drawn to read What We Believe, one of Sproul’s apologetics books, based upon his step-by-step exegesis of the Apostles’ Creed.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe…
in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;
who was
conceived by the Holy Ghost;
born of the Virgin Mary;
suffered under Pontius Pilate;
was crucified, dead, and buried;
he descended into hell;
the third day he arose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from whence he shall come to judge the living 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.
Amen.
In case you are not a theologian as I am let me point out a statement which confused me. My husband cleared it up for me. The statement towards the end of the creed which says “I believe in the holy catholic church” threw me as I am not Catholic. Darrell informed me that the lowercase catholic means the universal or world-wide church as opposed to the uppercase Catholic specifying the Catholic religion.
I received a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to the author and publisher.
For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered
December 23, 2025
In this book R.C Sproul critically analysis the apostle creed with Biblical reference and sound doctrine. He analysis the question what does it mean to believe in God, to believe in Jesus Christ, his birth, ministry, death and resurrection and what does it mean to believe in the Holy Spirit. This book simply reassures our faith in God.
This is a good book and I highly recommend it to Christians
This is a good book and I highly recommend it to Christians
January 25, 2016
I won this book in a giveaway from goodreads. I have a spiritual or religious going at all times along with my other books. I'm so glad I came upon this book. For me, it was spot on. This is a study of the Apostles Creed that brings you to learn the true impact of the meaning of the words you confess as you say them to God. Excellent!
October 22, 2016
This little book takes a line out the apostles Creed and then gives it a brief explanation. The crate is something that seems to be glazed over or lost in today society but here he shows just how useful it is
September 17, 2016
This does what the title suggests. Understanding and confessing. You will understand the implications historically and biblically for why words and phrases were used in preparing the Apostles' Creed.
March 31, 2017
It was just alright. This is a very misleading title, at least as I understood it. Rather than explaining the history or basic truths of the Apostles' Creed, the author used each tenet as a jumping-off point for some thoughts and theology he had. The tone was very inconsistent; I'm not sure who this book is for. Parts of it were very easy to understand with clear illustrations, and others were scholastic, referencing obscure theologians and niche issues. The information is solid and orthodox, but felt disjointed.
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