New City Catechism

Question 31 What do we believe by true faith?

Everything taught to us in the gospel.

The Apostles’ Creed

Important in early church with many deities and emperor worship

expresses what we believe in these words: We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth;

and in Jesus Christ his only Son

Only one Father, and He has only one Son

our Lord,

Not Caesar but Christ. Only way to salvation

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

Pontius Pilate: Represented Roman Empire…world

Behold the man

Testified that he was innocent

Gave verdict of crucifixion

was crucified, died,

Jesus really died…curse and penalty for sin was death

and was buried.

In Rich person’s tomb, not in gehenna heap, the beginning of the exaltation of Christ

He descended into hell.

Was not in very original, could have been added later

Calvin believed that Jesus descended into hell on the cross

The third day he rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;

Current period of Christ kingdom where he reigns through his church, us as his tools

Kingdom made up of people who have died and rose again too: Romans 6

John 16:7 ESV

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

Our king rules heaven and earth from heavenly throne. Better than an earthly reign

He is in heaven as a high priest

from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

1 Corinthians 15

We 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.