December 7, 2021

The Apostles’ Creed

We Are Reformed

There are two variations of the Apostles’ Creed, we will present both with a link to a Common Question often associated with the “traditional” version. In both instances the phrase “holy catholic Church” is used, however it should be noted that this is in reference to the true Christian Church and not the Roman Catholic church.

Traditional version

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 1.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the holy catholic Church 2,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Contemporary version

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead 1 .
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church 2,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.


  1. Common Question: What does the Apostles’ Creed mean that Jesus descended into hell? [][]
  2. The word “catholic” refers to the true universal church, and not the Roman Catholic church. [][]

About the Author