by Henry Knapp
Please review the denomination comparison chart, line #8.
Creeds are formal statements of belief that unite all Christians; for example, the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds. Confessions, on the other hand, are more particular to a Christian group or denomination, such as the Westminster Standards for Presbyterians.
A creed is a declaration of beliefs designed and written to be recited:
- “I believe in one God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible…” – Nicene Creed.
A confession is a formulated answer to questions about the faith, as in the Shorter Catechism (7.001):
- Q.1: What is the chief end of man?
- A: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
Confessions more specifically articulate the beliefs that define the distinctive identity of either broad groups of Christians, such as Reformed, or specific denominations, such as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) At Hebron, we use one confession only as the basis for evaluating our theology: The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms. In this way we are most like the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), a possible future denominational partner.