top of page
< Back

ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH

Definition: 


The Christian Meaning of “One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church”


This ancient confession from the Nicene Creed (AD 325/381) describes the essential, God‑given identity of the Church:

“We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.”

Each word carries profound theological meaning, expressing what the Church is in Christ and how believers participate in its life.


ONE: THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH


Meaning

There is one Church, one body of believers in Jesus Christ across:

  • Denominations

  • Cultures

  • Nations

  • Languages

This unity flows from:

  • One Lord

  • One faith

  • One baptism

  • One Spirit


Key Scriptures

  • “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism…” — Ephesians 4:4–6

  • Jesus prayed “that they may all be one.” — John 17:21

Unity is a spiritual reality, not merely institutional.



Influential Voices

  • Augustine: “In essentials unity, in non‑essentials liberty, in all things charity.”

  • Calvin: The Church is wherever the Word is preached and sacraments rightly administered.

  • Bonhoeffer: “The Church is not an ideal community but a divine reality.”



Reflection


Unity is not something we create — it is something we preserve. 


You can live out unity by loving, forgiving, and honouring believers across traditions.


HOLY: SET APART BY GOD


Meaning

Holiness does not mean moral perfection. It means the Church is:

  • Chosen

  • Set apart

  • Belonging to God

  • Indwelt by the Holy Spirit


Key Scriptures

  • “You are a chosen people… a holy nation.” — 1 Peter 2:9

  • A spiritual temple “holy in the Lord.” — Ephesians 2:21–22


Holiness flows from God’s presence, not human achievement.


Influential Voices

  • Chrysostom: “The holiness of the Church is Christ Himself living in it.”

  • Wesley: The Church is holy because the Spirit dwells and works in it.

  • Barth: Holiness is God’s action, not the Church’s accomplishment.


Reflection

Holiness is both gift and calling. You can pursue holiness by yielding to the Spirit and reflecting Christ’s character.


CATHOLIC: UNIVERSAL AND FOR ALL PEOPLE


Meaning

“Catholic” in the Creed means universal, not “Roman Catholic.” The Church is catholic because:

  • Christ died for all

  • The gospel is for every nation

  • The Church spans the world

  • It holds the full, universal truth of the gospel


Key Scriptures

  • “Make disciples of all nations.” — Matthew 28:19

  • A multitude from every nation worships God — Revelation 7:9


Influential Voices

  • Ignatius of Antioch: “Where Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.”

  • C.S. Lewis: “Mere Christianity” expresses the shared universal faith.

  • J.I. Packer: The Church is catholic because the gospel is universally needed.


Reflection

The Church is bigger than any one tradition. You can celebrate the global body of Christ and support its mission.


APOSTOLIC: ROOTED IN THE APOSTLES’ TEACHING AND MISSION



Meaning


Apostolic means the Church is built on:

  • The apostles’ teaching

  • The authority of Scripture

  • Continuity with the early Church

  • The mission Jesus gave the apostles



Key Scriptures

  • “Built on the foundation of the apostles…” — Ephesians 2:20

  • “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” — Acts 2:42

Apostolicity is about faithfulness, not merely historical succession.



Influential Voices

  • Aquinas: The Church is apostolic because it holds the apostles’ faith.

  • Stott: Authentic Christianity is apostolic Christianity.

  • Benedict XVI: Apostolic means fidelity to the apostles’ teaching.



Reflection

Apostolic faith is Scripture‑shaped faith. You can remain apostolic by grounding your life in the Word.



PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER


The Church is:

  • ONE — united in Christ

  • HOLY — set apart by God’s Spirit

  • CATHOLIC — universal in scope

  • APOSTOLIC — rooted in the apostles’ teaching

This is the Church Jesus founded — spanning:

  • Time

  • Cultures

  • Denominations

  • Nations

  • Languages

It is the Church that belongs to Him.



Short Definition

ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH   

The unified, Spirit‑sanctified, worldwide body of Christ, rooted in the apostolic faith and mission given by Jesus.


In Daily Faith

Value unity, uphold sound teaching, and participate in the global Church.


IN DAILY LIFE: LIVING IN THE ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH


1. Live for Unity in the Body of Christ



Daily Application

  • Avoid division and gossip Ephesians 4:3; John 17:21

  • Focus on shared faith, not secondary differences

  • Pray for believers across traditions



Why This Matters

Unity displays Christ to the world.



Encouragement

Your commitment to peace strengthens the whole body.



2. Pursue Holiness Individually and Together



Daily Application

  • Examine your heart regularly 1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 12:14

  • Cultivate prayer, Scripture, worship

  • Serve others with Christlike love



Why This Matters

Holiness reflects God’s character.



Encouragement

God is shaping you into His likeness.



3. Embrace the Catholic (Universal) Nature of the Church



Daily Application

  • Support global missions Matthew 28:19; Revelation 7:9

  • Engage with believers from other cultures

  • Remember your local church is part of a global family



Why This Matters

The gospel is for all people.



Encouragement

Your faith connects you to millions worldwide.



4. Uphold Apostolic Teaching



Daily Application

  • Study Scripture diligently Acts 2:42; Ephesians 2:20

  • Join faithful teaching and fellowship

  • Test all teaching against Scripture



Why This Matters

Apostolic faith guards against error.



Encouragement

The Word anchors you in truth.



5. Engage Actively in the Life of the Church



Daily Application

  • Serve according to your gifts 1 Corinthians 12:12–27

  • Participate in worship and sacraments

  • Share burdens and joys with others



Why This Matters

Faith grows in community.



Encouragement

You are a vital part of Christ’s body.



6. Pray for the Church



Daily Application

  • Pray for leaders, members, and mission Colossians 1:9–10

  • Pray for unity and holiness worldwide

  • Ask the Spirit to guide the Church



Why This Matters

Prayer strengthens the Church’s witness.



Encouragement

Your prayers help shape the Church’s future.



Daily Life Summary


Living as part of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church means:

  • Seeking unity in the Spirit

  • Growing in holiness

  • Embracing the Church’s global mission

  • Upholding apostolic teaching

  • Participating actively in the Church’s life


This is the Church Christ loves, sanctifies, and sends into the world.



Key Scripture References


Ephesians 4:4–6 

1 Corinthians 12:12–27 

Matthew 16:18 

John 17:21 

Acts 2:42

bottom of page