Understanding the Nicene Creed

Josh Reading
5 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 27 minutes ago

During more liturgical services at Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, and certain Protestant churches, you might have proclaimed a statement that starts with “We believe in one God...”

The Nicene Creed stands as one of Christianity’s central statements of faith.

What does this creed represent, and why is it so significant? This post will examine the historical background of the Nicene Creed together with its biblical foundations and its continuing significance for Christians today. Whilst it is not common practice in Divergent Church in Canberra or our other gatherings to recite this regularly, we affirm the pivotal place this creed takes in the wider body of Christ.

What is the Nicene Creed?

The Nicene Creed is an official declaration of Christian doctrine that emphasises fundamental beliefs about the Trinity, Jesus Christ's divinity, and the Church's teachings.

The original formulation of this creed occurred at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, with further development at the Council of Constantinople in AD 381 to address ongoing theological disputes.

This is the English version of the Creed that Christians frequently use:

We believe in one God, the Father 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 from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose againin 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 with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. 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.

Historical Background

The formation of the Creed occurred amid a theological crisis. A priest named Arius taught that Jesus Christ was a created being and not fully divine. This position, known as Arianism, gained traction and threatened to divide the Church.

In response, Emperor Constantine convened the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325. Over 300 bishops from across the Christian world gathered to examine theological claims and uphold biblical orthodoxy.

Their conclusion? That Jesus is of the same essence (Greek: homoousios) as the Father, not a created being.

This was affirmed by scriptural texts such as:

John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Colossians 1:15–20 – “[He] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation... all things have been created through him and for him.”

Did Constantine Invent the Trinity?

Now I know some will read 'Constantine' and immediately recoil as there exists a common misunderstanding in popular media that Emperor Constantine created the Trinity or directly influenced theological decisions at Nicaea.

This is not historically accurate.

Constantine convened the council to promote unity, but he did not control the theological outcomes. The bishops, many of whom had faced persecution under Roman rule, were respected pastors and biblical scholars.

The concept of God as Trinity—one essence, three persons—was already articulated before the council by theologians such as:

Tertullian (c. AD 200), who coined the term Trinitas
Origen (c. AD 185–254), who wrote extensively on the eternal relationship between the Son and the Father

The Council merely formalised these biblical truths in response to the heresy of Arianism. Constantine was not a theologian, and historical records affirm that he deferred to the bishops on doctrinal matters.

Why Do So Many Christians Affirm It?

Even with denominational differences, virtually all Christian traditions affirm the Nicene Creed. Even many non-creedal churches embrace the Creed’s content, choosing instead to say, “We believe in the Bible.”

Here’s why the Creed remains central to worship and theology:

1. It’s Biblically Rooted

Every statement aligns with Scripture:

God the Father Almighty – Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6
Jesus Christ as "true God from true God" – Hebrews 1:3; Philippians 2:6
“Born of the Virgin Mary” – Luke 1:26–35
“Crucified... rose again...” – Mark 15:24; Luke 24:6
“Seated at the right hand of the Father” – Hebrews 1:3
The Holy Spirit, giver of life – John 14:26; 2 Corinthians 3:6
One holy catholic and apostolic Church – Ephesians 4:4–6
“Resurrection of the dead” – 1 Corinthians 15:42–44

2. It Centres the Trinity

The Creed is structured around the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, affirming their distinct identities and unified essence. It provides a theological foundation used by churches across centuries and continents.

3. It Guards Against Heresy

The Creed protects the Church from false teachings, particularly regarding Christ’s identity. It draws a clear line around core Christian doctrines, ensuring fidelity to the apostolic faith.

4. It Unites Christians Across Time and Place

Reciting the Creed connects modern believers with generations of Christians. It stands as a universal confession that transcends language, culture, and denomination.

Common Questions About the Nicene Creed

What does “catholic” mean?

In the Creed, “catholic” does not refer to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal Church—the global body of Christ throughout history and geography.

Why say “He will come again in glory”?

This line affirms the second coming of Christ, taught in:

Matthew 24:30 – “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky...”
Acts 1:11 – “This same Jesus... will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

It reminds believers that faith spans both past and future, rooted in hope.

Conclusion: A Creed for Today

In a time of theological confusion and shifting cultural ideas, the Nicene Creed offers clarity. It is more than historical theology—it is a living witness to God’s self-revelation through Scripture and in Jesus Christ.

By reciting the Creed, Christians declare their faith, anchor themselves in truth, and join the Church’s timeless worship.

Whether you’re exploring faith or growing deeper in it, the Nicene Creed remains a foundation worth knowing and confessing.

Explore Faith Together

Are you looking to join a church community that explores ancient truth in the context of modern life? Find a Divergent Church community near you. We would be thrilled to accompany you on your journey of faith. Also, read our blog on the Apostles Creed