The complete “Nicene” Creed was published in 381 AD by the first council of Constantinople. However, the First council of Nicaea began this work in 325 AD. When the Creed was finalized, the major splits in Christianity (like the East-West Schism of 1054 or the Protestant Reformation of the 1500s) had not happened yet. There was just one undivided Christian Church.

This creed became necessary as heretical gospels and sects spread teachings that challenged accepted beliefs about Christ’s identity and nature, including Arianism. Emperor Constantine convened the first council to define the core tenets of the Christian faith. Fifty-six years later, the second council expanded that work to address additional heresies that had emerged.

Ironically, a creed intended to preserve church unity later contributed to the division between the Eastern and Western churches in AD 1054—but that is another story. For this website, it provides a clear foundation for presenting our core beliefs and understanding of God and Christianity.

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made:

1. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven
2. He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human
3. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate
4. He suffered and was buried
5. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures
6. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father
7. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead
8. His kingdom will never end

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come.

Amen