A SIMPLE CREED

But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our peace fell upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed.  Isaiah 53:5

When Dwight Moody was on an evangelistic campaign in Scotland, he had a meeting with some men about preaching in London which had long been one of his dreams. In that meeting, he was told: “We would all feel better if we had your creed. Can you get it published before the campaign?” According to the biography I read, it is said that Moody paced over to the edge of the platform, bent down and told the man: “There’s no need to! It’s already in print. You will find it in black and white, in Isaiah 53.” Sometimes the “creed conversations” can get tedious. I enjoy them for historical value, and have learned a great deal and have had some wonderful meditations and devotional times because of some great creeds of old. However, I greatly appreciate a commitment to keep them in their proper place; which is in a shelf very far below the placement of Scripture! But it was such a refreshment to read about someone who was in a place of resistance and trial in ministry, finding comfort and grounding in one of the best known passages in Isaiah! I’m certainly guilty of overcomplicating theology and doctrine at times, and I found a “sheepy rest” in the same creed as Dwight Moody. Christ gave His life for me, and took my punishment. The depths of the Word of God cannot ever be fully found by my mortal mind, but when the diving leaves me deprived of oxygen, it’s a wonderful thing to know that my Savior put all I need within reach!

Joe Ensley