We are often surprised at the ones Jesus calls into His kingdom. Perhaps there are people around you, or perhaps it is you yourself, who have a checkered past. Maybe people who knew you in your younger years would raise their eyebrows if they saw you sitting here in church. They might think you don’t belong here. They are under the delusion that church is only for the “good” people. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Christian Church is for sinners. These are the ones that Jesus receives and saves.

But what are those treasures in heaven? We find out from Lazarus. Before, he was left alone to die surrounded by dogs; now, he was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. Before, he was poor and hungry; now, he was perfectly content and satisfied. Before, he was covered with sores; now, he was covered in righteousness. Before, no one showed him mercy; now, he was comforted in heaven.

The word “creed” comes from the Latin word “credo,” which means “I believe.” That’s how the first two ecumenical creeds begin, with the words “I believe.” The creeds state what the Christian believes about God based on the teaching of the Bible.