A Time-Tested Statement of Faith
A creed is a formal statement of faith that concisely summarizes core beliefs. A common Christian creed is the Apostles’ Creed. Another one is the Nicene Creed.
The Nicene Creed stands as a doctoral standard for Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and most Protestant churches, which encompasses the vast majority of Christians.
The Nicene Creed celebrates a milestone birthday this year. It dates back to the year 325; that’s 1,700 years ago. It was was originally adopted at the First Council of Nicaea, which began on June 19, 325.
The impetus for creating the Nicene Creed was to produce a doctoral statement to correct heresies and theological misunderstandings. It received some tweaks along the way, but it remains largely unchanged over time.
Some people have memorized the Nicene Creed, and they say it—that is, they confess it—as part of their church services.
Originally written in Greek, here is an English version of it according to Britannica:
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic [universal] and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
In my church experiences, I’ve seldom encountered the Nicene Creed, though reciting the Apostles’ Creed has been a much more regular experience. I have memorized the latter, but I stumble over the former.
Many people value the Nicene Creed, taking comfort in knowing how it has withstood the assaults of time and endured to continue to give structure to our faith. To be fair, however, naysayers dismiss the creed because of its age, calling it dated and irrelevant.
Regardless, the Nicene Creed has the Bible as its foundation. And that should give us comfort each time we recite it.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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