Amen (‘So Be It’)
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 3:14-21
To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
As we come to the end of our month-long focus on the Apostles’ Creed, it’s appropriate to wrap up with the closing word “Amen.”
There’s nothing magical about the creed as a statement of the Christian faith. It’s not an incantation or a mantra to be said again and again for protection or for gaining some benefit. Based on the Bible’s teaching shared with us by Christ’s apostles, the creed’s clear yet eloquent statements help us remember the truths that Christians have learned and said together for nearly 2,000 years. So in that respect, it’s worthwhile to say the creed again and again.
Further, the Apostles’ Creed does not directly teach us in how to live out our faith every day. But this short summary provides an unshakable foundation for building vibrant churches and shaping godly lives that center on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These truths help to shape and guide our thoughts and actions so that we faithfully proclaim who God is and who we are as his people serving him in the world.
As Paul closes his prayer of praise in Ephesians with “Amen”—the little Hebrew word meaning “So be it”—so the Apostles’ Creed ends on the same note. At the conclusion of this confession about God we appropriately say together, “Amen (‘So be it’).”
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, grant us wisdom, strength, and courage to live faithfully and to proclaim your goodness to all the earth until Jesus comes again. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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