There are several 'statements of faith' in the New Testament, usually consisting of a simple declaration that Jesus Christ is the saviour of mankind. For instance, Peter said: "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." (Matthew 16:16).

The father of an epileptic boy whom Jesus had healed said "I do believe; help me to overcome my unbelief." (Mark 9:24).

Paul wrote: "'The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,' that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:8-9).

Paul also wrote to the Ephesians: "There is one body and one spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:4-6).

Such statements expressed faith and belief adequately in the first century, but today there are many 'statements of faith' which are not based on the word of God, and which have been added to and changed by various churches, so that such simple statements no longer explain all we accept, and what we now have to reject. It is truly said that the Bible itself is our Statement of Faith, and that we need no other, but for practical purposes a short summary of Bible beliefs is useful and acceptable.

(See also CREED).