The power of our words
Every Sunday our church recites in unison our affirmation of faith. It consists of a series of declarations as to who God is and the mission of our church as part of His kingdom. Many congregations share in this tradition by reading The Apostle’s or Nicene Creed.
The intent of this practice is to express collective agreement and commitment to the basic tenets of Christian faith. As I recited our church’s affirmation, I was not fully aware of its significance for me personally.
However, as I studied the Apostles’ writings during this Eastertide season, I have discovered its application for me in my spiritual formation. It is this meaning and reality I’d like to share today.
The importance of our declaration
After the Damascus Road (Acts 9:15), Jesus shared with the Apostle Paul the importance of knowing the source of one’s meaning. This would serve to guide him through many trials and difficulties as he prepared for his day at the court of Rome.
The philosophers of Rome fancied themselves as great thinkers and orators, spending their day debating over the latest doctrines, beliefs, and suppositions. They were unimpressed with Paul’s credentials, describing him as a “babbler” (Acts 17:18).
Despite their intellect, they didn’t know the name of THE UNKNOWN GOD on whose altar they inscribed this title. However, Paul personally knew THE UNKNOWN GOD. It was HIS GOD , who “made the world and all things therein” (Acts 17:23, 24).
The reality of God
Paul introduced the scoffers to the reality of God as the Sovereign Creator of the universe. God created everything they were familiar with, both living and inanimate. Paul knew that Creator God was “the source of life and not and idol god made of “gold, or silver, or stone” (Acts 17:29).
The men of Athens foolishly erected altars to dead gods, but the God of Heaven and Earth resurrected the Living Savior. Paul closes his oration to the Athenians by calling them to repentance (Acts 17:30) in realization that they would ultimately face a time of righteous judgment by “that man” whom God has ordained (Jesus). This final reality was authenticated by Jesus Christ’s resurrection (Acts 17:31).
What is our reality?
How does Paul’s teaching to Athenians speak to believers today? Believer’s reality and meaning must be grounded in God. That reality began in the Garden of Eden. Created in God’s image, our purpose and destiny are tied to our identity in Him through Christ (Colossians 3:3).
This reality was sidetracked by sin and replaced with Satan’s counterfeit that placed self on the throne where only Christ was to be seated and exalted. Because of Jesus’ atoning work on the Cross, our sins were forgiven, and we are now reconciled back to God (2 Corinthians 5:18, 19).
When we affirm our faith, we acknowledge that we have died to our old sin nature (Galatians 5:24) and walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). We no longer follow the world’s view of reality. Our view is patterned after Jesus and is now being reshaped by His Blood. Our meaning and reality are realigned with God (2 Corinthians 5:15). “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28a).
My personal declaration of faith can be found in my church’s affirmation. “We believe in God, Who is the absolute source of life from whom all creation derives its meaning and reality.” That meaning and reality includes me. This is my faith declaration!