This Creed is used in Western Christianity in daily
prayer and worship, and serves as Baptismal Symbol; that
is, it describes the faith into which we are baptized
and is used in the rite of Baptism by the baptizand or
sponsors.
Martin Luther (1483-1546) included a brief
explanation of this Creed in his Small Catechism,
Part 2
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.