One of the sad ironies of the Evangelical community is the rejection of the foundational doctrine of Sola Scriptura (by the Scriptures Alone). We noted in a previous post how those hardcore Reformed believers at The Dissenter (formerly Reformation Charlotte) invoked "Sacred Tradition" (by name) in their ill-focused defense of church buildings.
The level of incredulity this former Catholic had when he read the words "Sacred Traditions" as a supposed defense of truth by heresy hunters like those at The Dissenter is off the charts. How far have we fallen? How much blood of believers has been shed over the truth of Sola Scriptura for even the most hardcore Reformed to invoke the Catholic doctrine of "Sacred Tradition" as defense of truth?
But there is another insidious error which permeates the professing church, the error of the so-called Apostles' Creed. It is held almost as if it's scripture, yet the very first line is heretical.
Jesus said no to the devil's offer, but the bishops of the Christian church in the fourth century said yes, and Christendom was born.
As noted, the very first line of the creed is in error.
I believe in God the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
Scriptures teaches that all things were created by the Son.
his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
-Col 1:13-17
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
-John 1:1-3
Etc.
Even Calvin understood this.
The design is, to show it to have been necessary that the restoration of mankind should be accomplished by the Son of God, since by his power all things were created
-Calvin's Commentary on the Bible (John)
I challenge anyone who fellowships at an assembly of believers that uses the Apostles' Creed to point out this error to your pastor or to the elders. I'm almost certain that nothing will change, and "Sacred Tradition" and "Early Church Fathers" will be held as equal to or even above scripture itself.
For those keeping score at home, the Nicene Creed makes the same error.
