R. Albert Mohler - The Apostles Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits

PRAISE FOR

THE APOSTLES CREED

I make it a habit to read everything that Albert Mohler writes. Even when I already know and embrace the truths that he is teaching in his writings, the way he looks at topics, explains them, and even his turns of phrases help me better communicate and appreciate those same truths. Every Christian will profit from this book. No one has labored with greater earnestness or cost to defend Christian truth in our own time than Albert Mohler. You can count on this presentation of central Christian doctrine to be faithful to Gods Word, from a heart that burns with Gospel commitment to Gods truth.

J. Ligon Duncan, chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary

Many Christians outside the more liturgical traditions never recite the Apostles Creed. Dr Mohler wants to change that. As he points out, Christians may believe more than what is asserted in the creed, but it is impossible to be a Christian while believing less. The Apostles Creed not only summarizes a great deal of common Christian belief, but it fosters individual and corporate recitationand by regular recitation of the creed with other Christians, believers join the assembly of believers across the ages, even while they give substance to their faith with the opening words of deepest confession: I believe.... In twenty crisp chapters, Dr. Mohler summarizes the theology carried along by each phrase or clause of the creed, a kind of A-B-C of fundamental Christian belief.

D. A. Carson, professor of the New Testament and founder of the Gospel Coalition

Albert Mohler, one of the outstanding theologians of this generation, has provided a thoughtful, insightful, and biblically informed commentary on the Apostles Creed. Offering a clearly written and incisive introduction to this important confessional statement, this volume clarifies for readers the meaning of the essential truths of the Christian faith. Pastors, Christian leaders, and students will all be grateful for this engaging, convictional, and astute work.

David S. Dockery, president, Trinity International University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

This is an essential book for those who want to see an ancient creed infuse new life into a decaying generation. Dr. Mohler brings to this project not only his impressive theological knowledge of our ancient faith, but also a keen awareness of the new questions our culture poses to it. He expounds with clarity and simplicity the faith delivered once for all to the saints, showing that it still possesses the power to turn the world upside down.

J. D. Greear, pastor, The Summit Church; president, Southern Baptist Convention

2019 by Fidelitas Corporation, R. Albert Mohler Jr., LLC

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ISBN 978-0-7180-9918-3 (eBook)

ISBN 978-0-7180-9915-2 (HC)

Epub Edition February 2019 9780718099183

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018961099

Printed in the United States of America

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Dedicated to

Henry Albert Barnes

Grandson of priceless gratitude, source of incredible joy, promise of the future, sign of divine love. You bear the names of kings, a sign of great expectation. You bear a name we share, a sign of the faithfulness of God from generation to generation. You are so loved by your parents, your grandparents, and your big brother, Benjamin. Just even to think of you makes us unspeakably happy. May you know even a taste of the joy you have brought to us, and above all, may you come to know Christ, so that one glorious day you will say, in the faith of the apostles and the communion of Christs saints throughout the ages, I believe.

Papa

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CONTENTS

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,

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,

whence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.

Amen.

I t struck me that Dr. Mohlers statement in the introduction: All Christians believe more than is contained in the Apostles Creed, but none can believe less, is crucial to the very purpose of his book. This classic summary of Christian belief first appeared in the fourth century and has been memorized, recited, and included in the worship of Christians since then.

Many declare that it is all that anyone needs to believe to be counted among the true believers and therefore it is the basis of Christian unity. For them it is the mere Christianity that unites us all. Some have stated that the true nonnegotiables are all settled by the Apostles Creed so that anyone who gives assent to that ancient creed should be embraced as a true Christian.