The Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed – Context, Controversy, and Consequence
Introduction
The Nicene Creed is one of the most foundational statements of Christian doctrine, formulated in response to a major theological controversy in the early Church. This creed, adopted at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, sought to unify Christian belief by addressing the nature of Christ and His relationship to God the Father. The council, convened by Emperor Constantine, was attended by bishops from across the Christian world and resulted in a declaration that remains a cornerstone of Christian faith today.
The Context
A Divided Church
In the centuries following Christ’s resurrection, Christianity grew rapidly, despite persecution from the Roman Empire. However, as Christian theology developed, divergent views on key doctrinal issues arose. One of the most contentious debates centered on the nature of Christ—was He divine, human, or a created being?
A central figure in this controversy was Arius, a presbyter in Alexandria. He argued that Jesus Christ was not co-eternal with God the Father but was instead a created being, subordinate to the Father in essence. This view, known as Arianism, gained traction in certain regions and provoked a theological crisis. Opposing Arius was Athanasius, a deacon of Alexandria, who upheld the belief that Christ was fully divine and co-eternal with the Father.
The Problem
Arianism and Doctrinal Division
Arius’s teachings directly challenged the growing understanding of the Trinity. If Christ was created and not truly God, it meant that He was fundamentally different from the Father. This contradicted traditional beliefs about salvation, as Christian doctrine held that only God could redeem humanity.
The controversy divided bishops and believers. Some supported Arius’s position, while others firmly rejected it. Constantine, having recently converted to Christianity and eager to maintain unity in his empire, called for a council to resolve the matter.
The Outcome
The Council of Nicaea and the Creed
In 325 AD, Constantine summoned bishops from across the empire to Nicaea, in present-day Turkey. Around 318 bishops, primarily from the eastern half of the empire, attended the council. The debate was intense, with leading figures such as Athanasius, Eusebius of Caesarea, and Hosius of Cordoba defending the traditional understanding of Christ’s divinity against the Arians.
The council ultimately condemned Arianism and affirmed that Christ was “of the same essence” (homoousios) as the Father. To clearly express this doctrine, the council drafted the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith declaring:
- That Christ is “begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father.”
- That Christ is fully divine, co-eternal with the Father.
- That Christ was incarnate, suffered, and rose again for humanity’s salvation.
Only two bishops refused to sign the creed and were subsequently exiled, along with Arius himself. The decision marked a defining moment in Christian theology, ensuring that the Church’s teaching on the Trinity was firmly established.
The Aftermath and Continued Controversies
Although the Nicene Creed was a significant victory for the anti-Arian camp, the controversy did not end in 325 AD. Arianism persisted, especially under the reign of Emperor Constantius II (337–361 AD), who favored Arian theology. It wasn’t until the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD that the Nicene Creed was reaffirmed and expanded, solidifying the doctrine of the Holy Spirit as also fully divine.
The Legacy of the Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed remains one of the most widely accepted statements of faith across Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant traditions. It is recited in churches worldwide as a declaration of core Christian beliefs.
The council’s decision had profound implications:
- It defined orthodox Christian doctrine and established the Church’s authority to articulate theological truth.
- It strengthened the doctrine of the Trinity, ensuring that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were understood as one God in three persons.
- It set a precedent for ecumenical councils, providing a model for how the Church would address future theological disputes.
Conclusion
The Nicene Creed was more than a theological declaration; it was a defining moment in Church history. It clarified the nature of Christ, safeguarded Christian orthodoxy, and laid the groundwork for future doctrinal development. Despite continued theological disputes, the creed has endured as a powerful affirmation of Christian faith, uniting believers across centuries and denominations.
Biblical references
Key biblical references that support the Nicene Creed, particularly its affirmations about the divinity of Christ, the Trinity, and salvation:
1. Christ as Eternal and Divine (Homoousios – “of the same essence with the Father”)
- John 1:1-3 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”
- Colossians 1:15-17 – “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
- Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.”
2. Christ as Begotten, Not Made
- John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- John 5:26 – “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son also to have life in Himself.”
- Psalm 2:7 – “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.” (Quoted in Acts 13:33, Hebrews 1:5)
3. Christ as True God
- Titus 2:13 – “While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
- John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one.”
- Philippians 2:6 – “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage.”
- Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
4. Christ’s Role in Salvation and Resurrection
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
- Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
- Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
5. The Holy Spirit as True God
- Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
- John 14:16-17 – “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever—even the Spirit of truth.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
6. The Future Judgment and Resurrection of the Dead
- Acts 17:31 – “For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”
- John 5:28-29 – “A time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”
Conclusion
The Nicene Creed is deeply rooted in Scripture, affirming that Christ is truly God, eternally begotten, and not a created being. It upholds the doctrine of the Trinity, Christ’s role in salvation, and the future resurrection. These biblical references show how the early Church was not inventing new doctrine but rather clarifying the truth revealed in Scripture.
The Nicene Creed
Here is the full text of the Nicene Creed, as it was finalized at the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD(which built upon the original version from the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD). This version is the one commonly recited in the Catholic Church today:
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all worlds,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
being of one essence (homoousios) with the Father;
through Him all things were made.
Who for us men and for our salvation
came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate,
suffered, and was buried;
on the third day He rose again,
according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again with glory
to judge the living and the dead;
His kingdom shall have no end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and Giver of Life,
who proceeds from the Father (and the Son)*,
who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified,
who spoke by the prophets.
And we believe in one holy, catholic, 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.
Notes on the Creed
- Filioque Clause (“and the Son”) – The phrase “and the Son” (Filioque) in the section about the Holy Spirit was later added by the Western Church and became a major point of division between Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism.
- “Catholic” in this context – means “universal,” signifying the universal Christian Church
The role of saint Athanasius
Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296–373 AD) was a pivotal figure in early Christianity, renowned for his staunch defense of Trinitarian orthodoxy during the Arian controversy. His theological contributions, particularly his writings, played a crucial role in shaping the Nicene Creed and affirming the divinity of Christ.
Role in the Arian Controversy and the Nicene Creed
The Arian controversy arose in the early 4th century when Arius, a presbyter from Alexandria, proposed that Jesus Christ was a created being and not co-eternal with God the Father. This view challenged the foundational Christian belief in the divinity of Christ. Athanasius, serving as a deacon and later as the Bishop of Alexandria, emerged as a leading opponent of Arianism.
At the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, Athanasius was a key advocate for the term homoousios (“of the same essence”) to describe the relationship between the Father and the Son, emphasizing their consubstantiality. This terminology became central to the Nicene Creed, which affirmed the full divinity of Christ and rejected Arianism.Athanasius’s unwavering commitment to this doctrine earned him the title “Father of Orthodoxy.”
Notable Writings
Athanasius authored several influential works that defended Nicene orthodoxy and articulated Christian theology:
- “On the Incarnation”: In this seminal treatise, Athanasius expounds on the reasons for the Word (Logos) becoming flesh, emphasizing that only through the incarnation could humanity be redeemed. He argues that Christ’s divinity and humanity are both essential for salvation.
- “Four Discourses Against the Arians”: These discourses systematically refute Arian theology, reinforcing the co-eternity and co-equality of the Son with the Father. Athanasius employs scriptural exegesis to counter Arian interpretations and uphold the Nicene position.
- “Defense of the Nicene Definition”: Here, Athanasius defends the decisions of the Council of Nicaea, addressing objections and clarifying the theological implications of the term homoousios.
- “Letters to Serapion”: In these letters, Athanasius addresses the divinity of the Holy Spirit, countering the emerging heresy of Macedonianism (which denied the Spirit’s divinity) and further developing Trinitarian theology.
Online Resources
For those interested in exploring Athanasius’s works, several are available online:
- Complete Works: A comprehensive collection of Athanasius’s writings is available on the Internet Archive. archive.org
- “Against the Heathen”: This work, defending Christian doctrine against pagan criticisms, is available on New Advent. newadvent.org
Athanasius’s enduring legacy lies in his unwavering defense of the core tenets of Christian faith, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity, ensuring the preservation and clarity of orthodox theology for subsequent generations.
Section-by-section breakdown of the Nicene Creed along with its theological significance.
1. “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.”
Theological Significance:
- Monotheism: Affirms the belief in one God, rejecting polytheism.
- God as Creator: Declares that God created everything, both the physical world (visible) and the spiritual realm (invisible)(Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16).
- God’s Sovereignty: Emphasizes that God is Almighty, meaning He has absolute power and authority.
2. “And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds.”
Theological Significance:
- Jesus as Lord: Calls Jesus “Lord”, a title used for God in both the Old and New Testaments (Philippians 2:11).
- Only Begotten: The phrase “only-begotten” (Greek: monogenēs)highlights Christ’s unique sonship—not created, but eternally existing with the Father (John 3:16).
- Eternal Sonship: “Before all worlds” (before time began) means Christ has always existed, countering Arianism, which claimed Christ was created.
3. “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, being of one essence with the Father.”
Theological Significance:
- Jesus is Fully Divine: The repetition (“God from God, Light from Light”) emphasizes that Jesus shares in the divine nature and is not lesser than the Father.
- Homoousios (One Essence): The term homoousios means “of the same essence”—Christ is not just similar to God but is truly God (John 10:30).
- Refutation of Arianism: Arianism taught that Jesus was a created being—this section clearly states that Christ was begotten, not made.
4. “Through Him all things were made.”
Theological Significance:
- Christ as Creator: This affirms that Jesus was actively involved in creation (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16).
- Opposition to Arianism: If Christ created all things, then He Himself cannot be created.
5. “Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man.”
Theological Significance:
- Purpose of Incarnation: Jesus came down from heaven for our salvation, emphasizing that humanity could not save itself (John 3:17).
- The Virgin Birth: Affirms that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, fulfilling prophecy (Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:35).
- The Incarnation: Jesus became fully human while remaining fully God, which is central to the doctrine of hypostatic union (John 1:14).
6. “He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered, and was buried.”
Theological Significance:
- Historical Foundation: The inclusion of Pontius Pilate anchors the creed in historical reality, showing that Christianity is based on real events.
- Atonement for Sin: Christ’s suffering and death were “for us”, meaning His crucifixion was a substitutionary sacrifice (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24).
- Affirms Jesus’ Humanity: His death and burial prove that He was truly human and not just a divine being appearing in human form.
7. “On the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures.”
Theological Significance:
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: The resurrection happened “according to the Scriptures”, referring to Old Testament prophecies (Psalm 16:10, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
- Victory Over Death: Christ’s resurrection is central to Christian faith, proving His divinity and the promise of eternal life (Romans 6:9, 1 Corinthians 15:17).
- Defeat of Sin and Satan: The resurrection demonstrates Christ’s triumph over sin and death (Revelation 1:18).
8. “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.”
Theological Significance:
- Christ’s Exaltation: The ascension shows Christ’s glory and authority (Acts 1:9-11).
- Intercession: Jesus, seated at the right hand of the Father, intercedes for believers (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25).
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: This fulfills Psalm 110:1—“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand.’”
9. “He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; His kingdom shall have no end.”
Theological Significance:
- The Second Coming: Affirms Christ’s return as Judge (Matthew 25:31-46).
- Final Judgment: Christ will judge both the living and the dead, ensuring justice (Revelation 20:12-15).
- Eternal Kingdom: Unlike earthly kingdoms, Christ’s rule will never end (Daniel 7:14, Luke 1:33).
10. “And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son), who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.”
Theological Significance:
- Divinity of the Holy Spirit: Calls the Holy Spirit “Lord and Giver of Life,” confirming His divinity (John 14:26).
- Procession of the Spirit: The original creed states the Spirit proceeds from the Father, while later Western churches added “and the Son” (Filioque clause)—a key issue in the Catholic-Orthodox split.
- Role in Inspiration: The Holy Spirit inspired the prophets to speak God’s truth (2 Peter 1:21).
11. “And we believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.”
Theological Significance:
- One Church: Christianity is unified in one body of Christ(Ephesians 4:4-6).
- Holy Church: The Church is set apart for God’s purposes (1 Peter 2:9).
- Catholic (Universal): The Church is for all people, not limited to one nation or group.
- Apostolic: The Church is built on the foundation of the apostles’ teaching (Ephesians 2:20).
12. “We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.”
Theological Significance:
- Baptism as a Sign of Faith: Baptism signifies union with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).
- Forgiveness of Sins: Baptism is a means of grace through which sins are forgiven, as affirmed in Acts 2:38 and the practice of the early Church.
13. “We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.”
Theological Significance:
- Final Resurrection: All believers will be raised to eternal life (John 5:28-29).
- New Creation: God will restore all things, bringing a new heavens and a new earth (Revelation 21:1-4).
- Eternal Life: The creed ends with hope in eternal communion with God.
Conclusion
The Nicene Creed serves as a summary of Christian doctrine, affirming key truths about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, and the Church. It remains a unifying declaration of faith for Christians across traditions.
