This I Believe (The Creed) Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "This I Believe (The Creed)" by Hillsong Worship is a powerful declaration of faith that highlights the key beliefs of the Christian faith.
I. Introduction: "This I Believe (The Creed)"
The song begins with a powerful introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. It starts with the lines, "Our Father everlasting, The all-creating One, God Almighty, Through Your Holy Spirit, Conceiving Christ the Son, Jesus our Savior". These lines establish the foundation of the Christian faith, emphasizing the belief in the triune nature of God and the role of the Holy Spirit in conceiving Jesus.
II. Belief in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The first verse of the song declares the belief in the three persons of the Trinity. It states, "I believe in God our Father, I believe in Christ the Son, I believe in the Holy Spirit, Our God is three in one". This verse affirms the central doctrine of the Christian faith, that there is one God who exists eternally in three persons - God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.
III. Belief in the Resurrection and the Name of Jesus
The chorus of the song focuses on the belief in the resurrection and the power of the name of Jesus. It proclaims, "I believe in the resurrection, That we will rise again, For I believe in the Name of Jesus". This line echoes the biblical truth of Jesus' resurrection and the hope of eternal life for believers. It also emphasizes the significance of the name of Jesus, which holds power and authority.
IV. The Crucifixion, Forgiveness, and Glorious Resurrection
The second verse of the song explores the themes of the crucifixion, forgiveness, and the glorious resurrection of Jesus. It states, "Our Judge and our Defender, Suffered and crucified, Forgiveness is in You, Descended into darkness, You rose in glorious life, Forever seated high". These lines highlight the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, the forgiveness of sins through His sacrifice, and His victorious resurrection. It also emphasizes His exalted position at the right hand of the Father.
V. Belief in Eternal Life and the Church
The bridge of the song introduces the belief in eternal life, the virgin birth, the communion of saints, and the holy Church. It proclaims, "I believe in life eternal, I believe in the virgin birth, I believe in the saints' communion, And in Your holy Church". These lines affirm the Christian hope of eternal life, the miraculous birth of Jesus through the virgin Mary, the unity and fellowship of believers, and the significance of the Church as the body of Christ.
VI. Conclusion: Belief in the Name of Jesus
The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the belief in the resurrection and the power of the name of Jesus. It declares, "For I believe in the Name of Jesus". This final statement encapsulates the central message of the song, emphasizing the importance of faith in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work.
Meaning and Inspiration:
The song "This I Believe (The Creed)" is inspired by the Apostles' Creed, a statement of faith that has been recited by Christians for centuries. The lyrics of the song take the core beliefs of the Apostles' Creed and present them in a contemporary and accessible way. The intention behind the song is to provide a worshipful expression of faith and to remind believers of the foundational truths of Christianity.
Biblical Analysis:
When critically analyzing the biblical accuracy of the song, it is important to examine whether the lyrics align with the teachings of Scripture. Overall, "This I Believe (The Creed)" does a commendable job of capturing the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. The song affirms belief in the triune God, the resurrection of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins, and the hope of eternal life.
However, there are a few points that could be further emphasized or clarified. For example, the omission of specific references to Mary and Pontius Pilate in the crucifixion verse could be seen as a missed opportunity to highlight the historical and contextual aspects of Jesus' life. Additionally, while the song affirms belief in the holy Church, it does not explicitly mention the catholic (universal) nature of the Church as expressed in the Apostles' Creed.
In terms of biblical references, the song draws heavily from the Apostles' Creed itself, which is rooted in biblical teachings. Many of the beliefs mentioned in the song can be found in various passages throughout the Bible. For example, the belief in the triune nature of God is supported by passages such as Matthew 28:19, which mentions baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The belief in the resurrection of Jesus is affirmed in passages like 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. The concept of forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice can be found in Ephesians 1:7. These are just a few examples of the biblical foundations for the beliefs expressed in the song.
Conclusion:
"This I Believe (The Creed)" by Hillsong Worship is a powerful song that declares the core beliefs of the Christian faith. It captures the essence of the Apostles' Creed and presents it in a contemporary and accessible way. The song emphasizes belief in the triune nature of God, the resurrection of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins, and the hope of eternal life. While there are a few areas that could be further emphasized or clarified, the overall biblical accuracy of the song is commendable. It serves as a powerful tool for worship and a declaration of faith for believers.
