This Creed is used in Western Christianity in daily prayer and
worship, and serves as Baptismal Symbol; that is, it describes
the faith into which we are baptized and is used in the rite of
Baptism by the baptizand or sponsors.
Martin Luther (1483-1546) included a brief explanation of this Creed
in his Small Catechism, Part 2
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
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.
