During Holy Baptism, before the actual immersion, the recipient makes Baptismal Promises, or someone makes them on his behalf.
The Baptismal Promises are also called the Baptismal Creed. Creeds are interconnected articles of faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In addition to those three main parts (Father, Son, Spirit), Creeds can be subdivided into twelve articles that recall the twelve Apostles. The Apostle’s Creed has great authority and includes three main parts and twelve subdivisions.
The Baptismal Creed, as found in the ritual books, has only eleven articles. The 7th article is missing. I wonder why.
Below, the Apostles Creed is side-by-side with the Baptismal Creed.
Apostles Creed
(1) I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
(2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
(3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary
(4) Under Pontius Pilate He was crucified, died, and was buried.
(5) He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again.
(6) He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
(7) He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
(8) I believe in the Holy Spirit,
(9) the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
(10) the forgiveness of sins,
(11) the resurrection of the body,
(12) and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Baptismal Creed
(1) Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?
(2) Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
(3) who was born of the Virgin Mary,
(4) suffered death and was buried,
(5) rose again from the dead and
(6) is seated at the right hand of the Father
(7)
(8) Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,
(9) the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
(10) the forgiveness of sins,
(11) the resurrection of the body, and
(12) life everlasting?
I do.
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