The Confession of Faith: Affirming Our Beliefs
In the liturgy, the Confession of Faith (often articulated through a creed, confession, or catechism) follows the Song of Thanksgiving, providing a moment for the congregation to collectively affirm their beliefs. This practice strengthens our understanding of the faith, reinforces our identity as the people of God, and connects us to the historic and universal church.
Understanding the Confession of Faith
The Confession of Faith is a corporate affirmation of essential Christian doctrines. It is often done through reciting a creed (such as the Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed), a section of a confession (2nd London Baptist), or a catechism question and answer (such as the Heidelberg Catechism). This act of recitation unites the congregation in a shared declaration of faith.
Scriptural Foundations of Confession
The practice of confessing faith publicly has deep biblical roots, seen in both the Old and New Testaments. We can even fin early creeds in the pages of scripture, like 1 Timothy 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-7
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-7: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
- 1 Timothy 3:16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Theological Significance
- Affirmation of Core Beliefs: It provides a structured opportunity to affirm the core tenets of Christian faith. By confessing these truths, we root our worship in sound doctrine.
- Connection to Historic Faith: It connects us to the historic faith of the church. Confessing creeds and confessions links us to Christians throughout history who have professed these same beliefs.
- Communal Unity: It fosters communal unity by having the congregation collectively declare their shared beliefs. This shared confession strengthens the bond of fellowship and mutual understanding.
- Public Witness: It serves as a public witness to our faith, proclaiming the truths we hold.
The Impact of the Confession of Faith on Worship
The Confession of Faith enriches the worship experience in several ways:
- Reinforces: It reinforces the congregation’s understanding of key doctrines, embedding the foundational truths of the faith in their minds.
- Strengthens: It strengthens the congregation’s identity as believers who share a common faith.
- Teaches: It increases theological awareness, helping worshipers articulate their beliefs clearly and confidently, both within and outside the church.
As we participate in the Confession of Faith each Sunday, it is not a mere formality but a vital expression of our faith, anchoring our worship in truth and connecting us to the wider body of Christ. The Confession of Faith invites us to stand together in the assurance of what we believe, celebrating the richness of our Christian heritage and the unity we share in Christ.
This post is part of our series: Liturgy, A Gospel Conversation