The Problem with Creeds

Articles

Derek Long
12/08/19 - Biblical Authority

The Problem with Creeds By Derek Long
Creeds are a statement of what is believed by a group of people. Many denominations have some form of a written creed besides the Bible. Their creed may be called a catechism, manual, discipline, confession, statement of faith, etc. Let’s examine some reasons why we need to forsake such creeds and simply follow the Bible.
• Creeds are composed of the commandments of men rather than being the inspired word of God. Jesus rebuked the people of His day for following the commandments of men instead of keeping the commandments of God. Matthew 15:1-9 says, “Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, ‘Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.’ He answered and said to them, ‘Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded saying, “Honor your father and your mother”; and, “He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.” But you say, “Whoever says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God’ - then he need not honor his father or mother.” Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”’” One of the problems Jesus identifies the scribes and Pharisees as having is the binding of human tradition in the place of the commandments of God. Manmade creeds are the following of the traditions of men rather than the traditions handed down by God through the apostles and prophets (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Following manmade traditions makes our worship vain. Let’s avoid manmade creeds and stick with simply following the commandments of God.
• Creeds are an addition to the word of God. God throughout time has warned man against adding to or taking from His word. Most denominations would still claim to follow the Bible but they add their manmade creed to go along with the Bible. Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32 are two Old Testament warnings given regarding adding to the word of God. Proverbs 30:5-6 says, “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” Revelation 22:18-19 issue a warning to those would add to or take away from the word of God. It says, “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city,
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and from the things which are written in this book.” We do not need to add something to God’s word but rather be content to simply speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11).
Creeds deny the all sufficiency of the Scriptures. Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Scripture gives a person everything they need in order to be what God wants them to be (2 Peter 1:3). If Scripture gives us all we need, there is no reason to have a manmade creed. Creeds may attempt to be justified on the basis of providing a more readily understood statement of what people believe. Scripture is understandable though (Ephesians 3:3-5). Let’s allow the Bible alone to be our standard of authority.
Creeds promote religious division. People align themselves with various manmade creeds instead of aligning themselves with the word of God oftentimes. Creeds written by men say many different things but the word of God says only one thing. Creeds result in confusion but God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Creeds do not lead us all to believe, speak, and practice the same thing (1 Corinthians 1:10). If we will discard the creeds of men, it will bring us one step closer to finding the unity Jesus desires among His followers (John 17:20-23). Let’s resolve to be united on what the Bible teaches and forsake the creeds of men!
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If a creed says more than the Bible, it says too much. If a creed says less than the Bible, it says too little. If a manmade creed say the same thing as the Bible, it is an unnecessary addition.