Question 71: Why do you conclude the Creed with “Amen”?

Answer:

I conclude the Creed with “Amen” to affirm that I truly believe and trust in all that I have confessed. “Amen” means “so be it”—a personal declaration of faith, hope, and commitment to the truth of God’s Word. (Deuteronomy 27:26, 1 Chronicles 16:36, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Revelation 22:20–21)

Full Scripture References

“‘Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’” — Deuteronomy 27:26 (BSB)

“Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said, ‘Amen,’ and they praised the LORD.” — 1 Chronicles 16:36 (BSB)

“For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him, our ‘Amen’ is spoken to the glory of God.” — 2 Corinthians 1:20 (BSB)

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.” — Revelation 22:20–21 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

To end the Creed with “Amen” is to put my heart’s seal upon everything I have just confessed. It is more than a liturgical formality—it is a word of personal assent, meaning, “Yes, I believe this is true.” It signifies that I receive these truths not merely with my mind, but with trust, reverence, and joyful affirmation. As 2 Corinthians 1:20 teaches, through Christ, we say our “Amen” to the glory of God, because He fulfills all His promises in Him.

“Amen” appears throughout Scripture as the response of faith—from the people of Israel in covenant (Deuteronomy 27:26), to the early Church in doxology and prayer (Revelation 22:20–21). It binds our confession with our hope, and joins our voice with the Church universal in every place and age. Bishop John Stott once said, “The ‘Amen’ of the Creed is not merely assent to doctrine; it is the cry of a soul resting in the promises of God.” Saying “Amen” is thus a spiritual act of both surrender and expectation.

In Anglican worship, “Amen” punctuates every prayer and proclamation of faith. The Book of Common Prayer includes it as the people’s response after confession, absolution, blessings, and creeds. This reflects the deeply participatory nature of Anglican liturgy: the Church speaks with one voice, and each member answers, “Amen,” making the Church’s prayer his own. Article XXIV of the Thirty-Nine Articles highlights that worship and liturgy should be “understanded of the people,” and “Amen” is the plainest and most universal response of faith.

Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “The ‘Amen’ of a Christian ought to be the echo of a soul that has heard truth and laid hold upon it.” Likewise, E.B. Pusey reflected, “To say ‘Amen’ is to yield the will to God’s truth. It is the end of prayer and the beginning of obedience.” The “Amen” of the Creed is not the conclusion of doctrine but the beginning of discipleship—it is the response of a heart that says, “Let it be so in me.”

Therefore, when I conclude the Creed with “Amen,” I do so with confidence, gratitude, and hope. I am not simply reciting ancient words—I am standing in the truth of the Gospel, trusting the promises of God, and offering my whole self to Christ. “Amen” means that I not only believe, but I belong—to Christ, to His Church, and to His kingdom which has no end.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD) wrote: “When the prayers are ended, all the people present express their assent by saying ‘Amen.’ This word in Hebrew means ‘so be it.’” — First Apology, 65

Justin described “Amen” as the communal seal of faith in the worship of the early Church. Tertullian (c. 155–220 AD) explained: “‘Amen’ is a custom of solemn affirmation, a confession of truth. It is not an empty word, but a testimony of belief.” — On Prayer, 10

Tertullian emphasized that saying “Amen” was both reverent and theological. St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD) taught: “When you hear the word ‘Amen’ at the end of prayers, seal it with your own heart. Let it not be a habit of the lips, but a faith-filled assent of the soul.” — Catechetical Lectures, 5.18

Cyril urged believers to say “Amen” with understanding and conviction. St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) wrote: “To say ‘Amen’ is to sign with faith what you have heard with your ears. Let your Amen be true; let it be a vow of your life.” — Sermon 272

Augustine saw “Amen” as a pledge of discipleship, not just a conclusion to a sentence. St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD) said: “When we say ‘Amen’ after the words of Christ, we unite ourselves to Him. It is the response of love and obedience.” — On the Holy Spirit, 27

Basil understood “Amen” as a deep spiritual joining to the truth and will of God.