composed. This, however, is evident, that it came gradually into
existence, clauses being added from time to time to guard the faithful
against false doctrine, or to enable them to defend the orthodox belief.
It appears to have been the general creed of the Christian Church, in a
form very similar to that which it now bears, from the close of the
second century.[008] At that time and afterwards it served not only as a
test of Christian doctrine, but was also used by catechists in training
and instructing candidates for admission to the Church.

It is sometimes urged as an objection to this Creed that it is not a
sufficiently comprehensive summary of Christian doctrine. Those who
object to it on this ground should consider the purpose of creeds. They
were not meant to cover the whole field of Christian faith, but to
fortify believers against the teaching of heretics. The Apostles' Creed
was not intended, and does not profess, to state all the things that
Christians ought to believe. There is no reference in it to Scripture,
to Inspiration, to Prayer, or to the Sacraments. It sets forth in a few
words, distinct and easily remembered, the existence and relations to
men of the three Persons of the Godhead--those facts and truths on
which all doctrine and duty rest, and from which they find development.

It is especially objected that there is no reference in this Creed to
the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. But, though not directly
expressed, this doctrine is really and substantially contained in it.
The Creed is the confession of those whose bond of union is common
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. The articles which
treat of Him and of His sufferings and work are intelligible only to
those who believe in the reality and efficacy of the Atonement.

The Creed contains twelve articles, and to each of these, and to every