The Apostles' Creed

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 into hell.

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,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

Amen.

Webber tells that the Apostles' Creed was used as a weapon for Spiritual warfare. In its use as a baptismal formula it was meant to steel the new Christian against Gnostic heresy. I find its origin in baptism interesting. We tend to focus on the testimony of the convert, while this privative rite focuses on God's story, we testify to his work in the world as well as our lives. I wonder if I can use the ancient rite to baptize some time, or will it freak people out too much? Originally, Hippolytus tells us, after being asked, "Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty?" the one being baptized should reply "I believe" and be immersed immediately. Then he is asked the same for creedal articles about the son and the spirit, being immersed in their statement of belief in each. This trinity of immersion provides a single baptism into the Triune God.