Ever walked into a church on a Sunday morning and felt like everyone was singing a history lesson? That’s basically what happened in 2014 when Hillsong Worship dropped a track that felt both brand new and nearly two thousand years old. I’m talking about "This I Believe (The Creed)." Honestly, it’s one of those songs that shouldn’t have worked on paper. Taking a dense, ancient theological statement like the Apostles' Creed and trying to make it "radio-friendly" sounds like a recipe for a very boring Sunday.
But it didn't fail. Instead, Hillsong Worship This I Believe lyrics became a global phenomenon.
You’ve probably heard it. It starts with that steady, driving rhythm and those opening lines: "Our Father everlasting, the all creating One." It’s direct. It’s bold. And if you've spent any time in a contemporary worship setting over the last decade, you’ve likely shouted the chorus at the top of your lungs.
The Weirdly Simple Origins of a Modern Anthem
Ben Fielding and Matt Crocker are the brains behind this one. Now, you’ve gotta understand the context of Hillsong back then. They were already the heavy hitters of the worship world, but there was a growing conversation—maybe even a bit of a critique—about "seeker-sensitive" music being a little light on the "meat." People wanted more than just feelings; they wanted the foundations.
Ben Fielding actually talked about this in an interview with Eternity News. He was basically saying that in a world that feels increasingly fractured, there’s something insanely powerful about declaring a truth that hasn't changed in 1,700 years. He wanted to put "the liturgy and creeds of today" into the mouths of the church.
It wasn't just a creative whim. The team actually consulted with theologians, including John Dickson, to make sure they weren't accidentally veering into heresy while trying to make the lyrics rhyme. That’s a level of "homework" you don't always see in pop-influenced music.
Breaking Down the Hillsong Worship This I Believe Lyrics
The song is essentially a lyrical remix of the Apostles' Creed. If you grew up in a traditional Anglican, Catholic, or Lutheran church, these words are in your DNA. But Hillsong did something clever. They didn't just recite it; they reframed it.
The Chorus: The Core "Must-Haves"
The chorus is where the "heavy lifting" of the theology happens. It hits the Trinity right out of the gate:
- "I believe in God our Father"
- "I believe in Christ the Son"
- "I believe in the Holy Spirit"
It’s the "Three in One" declaration. Simple? Yes. But for a songwriter, trying to fit the doctrine of the Trinity into a catchy hook is like trying to fit an elephant into a Mini Cooper. Somehow, they made it feel natural.
The Verse 2 "Deep Cuts"
A lot of people miss the nuances in the second verse. It mentions the "virgin birth" and the "saints' communion." These aren't just filler words. They are specific callbacks to the historical creeds. By including the line "descended into darkness," they tackled the Descensus Christi ad Inferos—the idea of Jesus descending into hell or the realm of the dead. That’s pretty heavy stuff for a song played on Top 40 Christian radio.
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Why Does This Song Still Rank So High?
It’s been over ten years. In the world of "fast-worship," ten years is an eternity. Most songs have a shelf life of maybe eighteen months before they’re replaced by the next big thing from Bethel or Elevation. So why does this one stick?
1. It’s Unapologetically Objective.
Most modern worship is very "me-centric." You know the vibe: He loves me, He found me, I feel Him. There's nothing wrong with that, but "This I Believe" is the opposite. It’s objective. It’s about who God is, regardless of how you feel on a Tuesday morning. That’s refreshing.
2. It Unites the "High" and "Low" Church.
This song is the bridge. You can sing it in a cathedral with a pipe organ, or you can sing it in a warehouse with a fog machine and strobe lights. It works because the content is the common denominator of almost all Christian denominations.
3. The "Communion of Saints" Connection.
There’s a line about the "holy Church." In an era where people are "deconstructing" or leaving organized religion in droves, singing about being part of a global, historical body is a counter-cultural statement. It reminds the singer they aren't alone in their basement; they’re part of a 2,000-year-old story.
Addressing the Controversy: Is it Too Simple?
You can’t talk about Hillsong without talking about the critics. Some theologians argued that by "popping" the Creed, the song loses its weight. The Berean Test, which analyzes worship lyrics for biblical accuracy, actually gave it a 10/10, but noted that it leaves out a few bits, like Christ’s suffering specifically under Pontius Pilate.
Is that a deal-breaker? Probably not for most people.
Then there’s the whole "Hillsong" brand controversy. In recent years, the church has faced massive internal scandals and leadership failures. For many, it’s hard to separate the art from the institution. Yet, "This I Believe" seems to have survived the fallout better than most. Maybe that's because the lyrics aren't about Hillsong at all—they’re about a Creed that belongs to everyone.
The Practical Impact: Using the Song Today
If you’re a worship leader or just someone who likes to curate their own playlists, there's a reason this song stays in the rotation. It’s a "reset" button. When the world feels chaotic or your faith feels a bit shaky, returning to the "first principles" of the Creed helps.
Actionable Insight for Worship Leaders:
If you're leading this, don't rush the bridge. The "I believe in You, I believe You rose again" section is the emotional peak. Let the congregation sit in that declaration. Also, consider pairing it with a reading of the actual Apostles' Creed. It grounds the music in the history that birthed it.
Actionable Insight for Listeners:
Next time you listen, pay attention to the line "I believe in the resurrection, that we will rise again." It’s the ultimate "spoiler alert" for the Christian faith. It moves the song from a history lesson to a future hope.
The Hillsong Worship This I Believe lyrics succeeded because they didn't try to reinvent the wheel. They just put the wheel on a faster car. It’s a rare example of how ancient tradition can survive—and thrive—in a digital, three-minute-and-thirty-second world.
To get the most out of this song, try comparing the lyrics side-by-side with the traditional Apostles' Creed text. You’ll see exactly where Fielding and Crocker stayed faithful to the source and where they added that modern, "anthem" flair to make it stick in your head.