When I stand and read these words with my brothers and sisters on a Sunday morning, each sentence in the Creed encapsulates so many vital truths of scripture. This often moves me to tears as I reflect on who God is and all that He has done. But of late, the last statement has been especially precious to me. “I believe in … the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.”

I did not grow up reciting the Apostles’ Creed. In fact, my first exposure was during my freshman year in college when I visited a PCA church. As a “no creed but the Bible” kind of gal, I didn’t quite know what to make of it or the reformed order of worship. I ended up going elsewhere. If I had stayed, it would have saved me a lot doctrinal heartache down the road. But thankfully after more than 30 years, God brought me to a confessional church which recites this affirmation of the faith once delivered to the saints.

When I stand and read these words with my brothers and sisters on a Sunday morning, each sentence in the Creed encapsulates so many vital truths of scripture. This often moves me to tears as I reflect on who God is and all that He has done. But of late, the last statement has been especially precious to me. “I believe in … the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.”

The “resurrection of the body” reminds us that to be fully human is to be soul and body. God formed man out of the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. He then declared the creation of mankind to be verygood. (Gen. 2:7; 1:31) In Psalm 139, David also continues this theme as he writes, “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” (Ps. 139:13-14 NASB) Scripture has a completely different view from the ancient Greek philosophers who taught that the physical is lesser. It is also opposed to Gnosticism, which believes that the material world is inherently evil and our bodies are encumbrances to be overcome. Rather our bodies are good gifts from God through which we serve Him as we interact with the people and the world around us.

Read More