It trains the mind and heart to know and remember that something is true and that in Christ we believe and confess that we know what it is. Indeed, one of the main reasons that creeds like the forerunners of the Apostle s Creed gained such a widespread acceptance was for their usefulness in preparing new converts for their confession of belief at baptism. I grieve that we have moved so far away from this the practice of the church over the ages. Our children need to know and to understand the Apostles Creed, and we not be ashamed of teaching it to them and explaining its meaning so that their own growing faith will be rooted in the knowledge of God. Fifth, a creed gives shape to our worship.
Theology is for doxology.
Truth about God is for praise to God. All of the early hymns or hymn fragments we have in the New Testament read like mini creeds or statements of faith. Sixth, a creed gives a sense of communion and unity with the church throughout the ages, the church throughout the world, and even now the church gathered both in heaven and earth in worship of God. You know, it may not do much for you, but for me, when I know that some 30 year old catechumens approaching baptism in some North African or Spanish or Syrian town of 200 A. D. professed faith in Jesus using words remarkably similar to what we have before us here today, that these words were patterned after Jesus own commandment to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, well, I just feel joy and belonging and connection. I am apart of not just this church, but the church of Jesus Christ.