Term
Creed
Also known as Confession of faith
A confession of faith made by converts, particularly during baptism, which evolved from personal declarations into formal statements like the Apostles' Creed.
Filed underHistorical TheologyChurch History
Definition
The faith confessed by those converted to the apostolic preaching, a faith confessed especially as part of the baptismal ceremony. In the earliest Christian church, candidates were required to confess their personal belief ('I believe') in the presence of the congregation. Eventually such baptismal creeds developed into the confession known as the Apostles' Creed.
Connections
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- Includes
- communion of saintsTerm
- filioqueTerm
- Contrasted with
- HeresyTerm
Sources
- 1.Everett Ferguson Church History: Volume One: From Christ to Pre-Reformation. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013). 109
- 2.J. G. Davies The New Westminster Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship. 1st American ed.. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1986). 199
Last revised August 14, 2026