Appendix 8
Appendix 8. A Creed
Almost all governments have a creed. Writing a creed for each Church can be very important. A Creed of a Church, congregation, or individual is written as a profession of faith, and is not meant to be all inclusive nor limit the beliefs of the faithful. It is a simple and brief verbal description of the tenets by which an individual or group choose to live.
American Creed
As an example the American Creed states:
“I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the people by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a Republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom,
equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.”
Roosevelt creed
Theodore Roosevelt had a personal Creed that Stated: “I believe in honesty, sincerity and the square deal: in making up one’s mind what to do - and doing it. I believe in fearing God and taking one’s own part. I believe in hitting the line hard when you are right. I believe in speaking softly and carrying a big stick. I believe in hard work and honest sport. I believe in a sane mind in a sane body. I believe we have room for but one sole loyalty, and that is loyalty to the American people.”
Institution of God
Since the Church is both an institution of God and belongs to God, the Church must believe in its Creator and the Man who appointed it. It must also believe in His character, purpose, and doctrines. The Church in the wilderness, established by God through Moses, and the Church established by God the Father through Jesus Christ, must in principle remain the same in precept upon precept. All creeds of the Church should express the character or name of God in spirit and truth. The Creed of the Church as written here is one profession of faith, and is not meant to be all-inclusive nor to limit the beliefs of the faithful, but is presented as a brief verbal description of the tenets of faith laid down from the beginning.
I believe in the Father, God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, His words in the garden to man, to dress it and to keep it, in the faith of Abraham, the obedience of Isaac, the resolution of Jacob, the forgiveness of Joseph, and the sacrifice of Moses.
I believe in the birthright of Jesus, His Holy Designation by John the Baptist, His Exalting as the Highest Son of David, His Anointing as Heir to the Throne, the Proclamation of Him as King by Pontius Pilate sealed in His blood, And that He is ascended as Highest Judge and is seated at the Right Hand of the Father in the Kingdom of Heaven.
I believe in the revelation of the Holy Spirit,
The appointment of His Church in service,
The communion of saints in liberty,
The forgiveness of transgressions in love,
The rebirth of the body in the profession of faith.