On another page, we discuss the ancient and simple statement of faith known as the Apostles' Creed (What is a Creed?). The formulation of the Nicene Creed followed an entirely different historical path and was written in response to doctrinal conterversies within the Church rather than just as a confession of the Gospel. However, this does not minimize the importance and value of this Creed. But rather its majesty and beauty makes it dear to all Christians. The following is a brief history of how the Nicene Creed came to be and a short explanation of why it was written. If you would like a slightly more detailed historical account of the Creed, please look here. If you would like to just read the Creed itself, please click here.

History of the Creed

In 325A.D. Emperor Constantine the Great called together a Council at a city called Nicaea (present-day northwest Turkey ). The task assigned to this council was to address a controversy brought up by a man named Arius who said that Jesus Christ was only a man, not true God.

The words of the Nicene Creed, therefore, highlight the fact that Jesus Christ is true God. This Creed describes Jesus as “God from God, Light from light; true God from true God… of one being with the Father.” It focuses on who Jesus is: he is not a separate entity from God or an addition to God. He is the true God.

Since this Creed highlights who Jesus is, we speak the Creed on Communion Sundays when we partake of the true body and blood of Christ in, with, and under the bread and wine. Both in the Supper and in the Nicene Creed we confess that Jesus Christ is “God in flesh.”

Below you will find the text of the Nicene Creed, which has been a confession of the truths of Scripture for over 1600 years.

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
   maker of heaven and earth,
   of all that is,
   seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
   eternally begotten of the Father,
   God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
   begotten, not made,
   of one being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven,
   was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
   and became fully human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again 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.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,
   the Lord, the giver of life,
   who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
   who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
   who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead
   and the life of the world to come. Amen.