Nicene Creed

The most widely accepted Christian creed, formulated at the ecumenical councils of Nicaea (325 CE) and Constantinople (381 CE). It defines core Christian beliefs about the Trinity, the nature of Christ, and salvation, and is recited by Catholics, Orthodox, and many Protestants.

The Creed

English (Contemporary)

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 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.

Note: “[and the Son]” (Filioque) is recited in Western Christianity but not in Eastern Orthodoxy.

Historical Context

Council of Nicaea (325 CE)

Background:

• Convened by Emperor Constantine at Nicaea (modern Turkey)
• First ecumenical council of the Christian Church
• Addressed the Arian controversy about Christ’s divine nature

Arian Controversy:

• Arius taught that Christ was created by the Father, thus not co-eternal
• Council declared this heresy
• Affirmed that Christ is “consubstantial” (homoousios) with the Father

Original Creed:

• Shorter than current form
• Focused on refuting Arianism
• Emphasized Christ’s divine nature

Council of Constantinople (381 CE)

Expansion:

• Elaborated on the Holy Spirit’s divinity
• Added material about the Church and sacraments
• Created the form we know today

Purpose:

• Addressed pneumatomachian heresy (denying Holy Spirit’s divinity)
• Clarified Trinitarian doctrine
• Unified the faith across the empire

Key Theological Affirmations

About God the Father

• One God: Monotheism
• Father Almighty: Divine power and authority
• Creator: Of all visible and invisible realms

About Jesus Christ

• Only Begotten Son: Unique relationship to the Father
• Eternally Begotten: “Born of the Father before all ages”
• Consubstantial: Same essence/substance as the Father (homoousios)
• Not Made: Against Arian teaching that Christ was created
• Incarnation: Fully divine and fully human
• Virgin Birth: Born of Mary
• Crucified under Pontius Pilate: Historical specificity
• Resurrection: Rose on the third day
• Ascension: Seated at Father’s right hand
• Second Coming: Will judge the living and dead

About the Holy Spirit

• Lord and Giver of Life: Divine personhood
• Proceeds from the Father: Procession, not creation
• [and the Son]: Filioque clause (Western addition)
• Worshiped and Glorified: Equal with Father and Son
• Spoken Through Prophets: Role in revelation

About the Church and Salvation

• One Church: Unity despite diversity
• Holy: Set apart for God
• Catholic: Universal (not denomination-specific here)
• Apostolic: Founded on the apostles
• One Baptism: Sacramental initiation
• Forgiveness of Sins: Through Christ
• Resurrection of the Dead: Future hope
• Life of the World to Come: Eternal life

The Filioque Controversy

What is Filioque?

Latin for “and the Son” - added to describe the Holy Spirit proceeding from Father “and the Son”

History

• Added in Spain (6th-7th centuries)
• Adopted in Western Europe
• Charlemagne promoted it
• Rome officially accepted it (11th century)

East-West Division

• Eastern Orthodox Position: Spirit proceeds from Father alone
• Western Catholic Position: Spirit proceeds from Father and Son
• Theological Issues: Nature of Trinity, papal authority
• Result: Contributing factor to Great Schism (1054)

Modern Ecumenical Progress

• Recognized as linguistic/philosophical difference
• Both sides acknowledge some compatibility
• Some Western services now make it optional
• Ongoing dialogue continues

Liturgical Use

Catholic Mass

• Recited/sung during Sunday and solemn Masses
• Replaces the Apostles’ Creed on these occasions
• Communal profession of faith

Orthodox Divine Liturgy

• Sung during every Divine Liturgy
• Often elaborately chanted
• Without the Filioque clause

Protestant Worship

• Used by Lutheran, Anglican, and some Reformed churches
• Often on Sundays and major feasts
• Some evangelical churches use simpler statements

Special Occasions

• Baptisms and confirmations
• Easter Vigil
• Ordinations
• Ecumenical gatherings

Significance

For Christian Unity

• Common Ground: Shared by most Christian traditions
• Ecumenical Symbol: Bridge between East and West
• Historical Continuity: Links modern Church to ancient councils
• Theological Standard: Defines orthodox Christianity

For Individual Believers

• Formation: Shapes Christian understanding
• Identity: Defines what it means to be Christian
• Catechesis: Teaching tool for new believers
• Worship: Communal proclamation of faith

Comparison with Apostles’ Creed

Nicene Creed:

• Longer and more theologically precise
• Written by councils to combat heresies
• Emphasizes Christ’s divinity and consubstantiality
• Used in liturgy

Apostles’ Creed:

• Shorter and simpler
• Based on baptismal formulas
• More focused on narrative of salvation
• Used in daily prayer and catechism

Contemporary Relevance

The Nicene Creed remains:

• The most ecumenically accepted Christian statement
• A test of orthodoxy for most churches
• A source of unity across denominational lines
• A living connection to the early Church
• Subject of ongoing theological reflection and dialogue

Despite being 1,600+ years old, it continues to define Christian belief and unite believers across the world in a common confession of faith.