"I believe in Jesus and my Creed is the Bible"

This is a plead not a bashing. From many others and myself that have had to deal with regaining Biblical truths from Scripture and have full assurance in Christ 

Many Christians today claim that they do not need any catechisms, creeds, or confessions of faith because they only believe in the Bible and in Jesus. What does the Bible say? Are you developing new doctrines? What Jesus do you believe in? Who do you say he is? Many different cults say the same thing. They think that creeds and confessions are human inventions and that they are unnecessary, divisive, and restrictive. They think that they can interpret the Bible by themselves and follow Jesus without any guidance from the church. They think that they are being faithful to original, pure Christianity by rejecting any tradition or authority other than the Bible.

But is this attitude truly biblical, wise, and faithful? Is it truly good for the church and for the glory of God? I would argue that it is not. In fact, I would argue that it is bad and harmful for the following reasons:

First, It is bad because it ignores the biblical command to hold fast to sound doctrine and to contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints (1 Timothy 4:16; Jude 3). The Bible teaches that we need a clear and accurate understanding of the gospel and essential Christian doctrines, and that we must defend them against false teachers and doctrines. The Bible also teaches the need for unity in mind and judgment, and to speak the same thing (1 Corinthians 1:10). It further teaches that we must confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9). These are examples of creeds and confessions of faith the Bible commands.

Second, It is bad because it ignores the historical reality and necessity of creeds and confessions of faith. Creeds and confessions of faith are not inventions of human beings, but responses to the challenges and opportunities that the Church faced throughout history. They are not arbitrary or optional, but essential and inevitable. They are not divisive or restrictive, but unifying and liberating. They are not additions or subtractions to the Bible, but summaries and applications of the Bible. They are not replacements or rivals of Jesus, but witnesses and servants of Jesus. They are not enemies or obstacles to the Holy Spirit, but fruits and tools of the Holy Spirit.

Third, it is bad because it ignores the benefits and blessings of creeds and confessions of faith. Creeds and confessions of faith are not burdens or barriers, but aids and assets. They help us learn and teach the Christian faith systematically and comprehensively. They help us worship and praise God truthfully and meaningfully. They help us witness and evangelize the world clearly and concisely. They help us grow and mature in our faith in a balanced and healthy way. They help us love and serve God and one another faithfully and fruitfully.

Fourth, it is bad because how does one test the church they want to attend against scripture? If this church does not have any faith statements, would it be right to lead someone along for months just to have them find out that the church really teaches false doctrine and a false Jesus? One thing to notice in today's time is that churches have started a very legalistic, works-based approach to salvation that relies on the person's own ability; a theology that is liberal and unfaithful; a nonexistent view of the sacraments. By abandoning or, through prideful arrogance, rejecting the historical truth set before us, we have a contradiction to scripture and church teaching.

Therefore, it is bad in the Christian church today to simply say, "I believe in Jesus and my only creed is the Bible," and ignore the history of Christianity and set aside faithful creeds and confessions of faith. Rather, we should appreciate and value them as gifts from God and as treasures of the church. We should also remember the history behind them and the context in which they were written. We should learn from the struggles and victories of those who wrote and defended them. We should also be aware of the limitations and shortcomings of human language and understanding, and be humble and gracious in our use of them. Above all, we should remember that creeds and confessions of faith are not ends in themselves, but means to an end: to glorify God and to enjoy him forever, and to love one another and serve our neighbors.

Catechisms are systematic ways of teaching the Christian faith through questions and answers. They have been used by various churches since the early centuries of Christianity to instruct believers and seekers in the essential doctrines and practices of the faith. Catechisms are still applicable today because they provide a firm foundation for our faith, based on scripture, and help us avoid errors and distortions of the truth. Catechisms also help us grow in our knowledge and love of God, and to share our faith with others. They are a perfect tool for those older in the faith, new believers, and children.

True unity is found in the faithful practice of the teachings. The doctrines from the past reflected the same truth of Scripture. In today’s world, there are more churches and, sadly, more differing teachings.

It is one thing to be non-confessional, but to ignore them altogether can be dangerous and lead to heresy. All heresy begins with ignorance of the word of God and of the teachings that the Church has always taught. Creeds, confessions, and catechisms are important, now more than ever.

Eric @ byFaithJustified

Grammar & Spelling checked with Ai