Lutherans do recite the Apostles’ Creed as part of the Sacrament of Baptism. The Apostles’ Creed is a statement of faith that is widely used in Christian worship, and it is considered one of the three ecumenical creeds, along with the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed.
During the Sacrament of Baptism, the Apostles’ Creed serves as a confession of faith for the person being baptized, as well as a profession of faith for the entire congregation. It is a way for the person being baptized to publicly affirm their belief in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as well as in the central teachings of the Christian faith.
The Apostles’ Creed begins with the question, “Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth?” This question is addressed to the person being baptized, and they are expected to respond with a resounding “Yes!” or “I do!” This exchange signifies the individual’s personal commitment to their faith and their acceptance of God as the creator of all things.
The inclusion of the Apostles’ Creed in the Sacrament of Baptism has deep historical roots in the Lutheran tradition. Martin Luther, the 16th-century reformer and founder of Lutheranism, emphasized the importance of the creeds as summaries of Christian doctrine. He believed that reciting the creeds helped to reinforce and strengthen the faith of believers, as well as to provide a common confession of faith for the entire church.
In Luther’s Small Catechism, which is still widely used by Lutherans today, he instructs individuals to learn and recite the Apostles’ Creed as part of their daily prayers. This practice of regularly reciting the creed helps to reinforce the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith and serves as a reminder of God’s love and grace.
Lutherans hold the Apostles’ Creed in high regard, considering it a concise and authoritative statement of the core teachings of Christianity. By reciting the creed during the Sacrament of Baptism, Lutherans affirm their belief in the triune God, the work of Jesus Christ in salvation, and the ongoing presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Lutherans do recite the Apostles’ Creed during the Sacrament of Baptism as a way to affirm their faith in God and to publicly declare their commitment to the teachings of the Christian faith. The creed serves as a concise summary of Christian doctrine and holds a significant place in Lutheran worship and theology.