Why we have creeds, catechisms, and confessions

Creeds, catechisms, and confessions (three c's) have been a rich blessing to Protestant churches for many years. Over 60 of them were written during the 1560's alone. The purpose of the three c's is to systematically teach (Luke 1:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:16), protect (2 Peter 3:17), and defend (Jude 3) the Christian faith. They also articulate warmly and faithfully the distinctives of the Christian faith and thus they are a useful tool in discipling new believers (Matthew 28:19,20). We believe that while the three c's do not possess the same authority as the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 2:19-21), they are useful as faithful summaries of what the Bible teaches.