| Nicene Creed of 325 and 381 C.E. |
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The Nicene Creed is a statement of Christian faith that was formulated during the First Council of Nicaea in 325 C.E. and later refined at the First Council of Constantinople in 381 C.E. It is one of the most important creeds in Christianity, serving as a unifying declaration of faith for many Christian denominations, including Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, and most Protestant churches.Historical Context: The Nicene Creed emerged during a time of theological controversy in the early Christian Church. The primary issue was the nature of the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ, particularly whether Christ was of the same substance as God or a created being. This debate was sparked by the teachings of Arius, a priest in Alexandria, who argued that Jesus was subordinate to God the Father. This led to significant conflict within the Church, necessitating a council to resolve these disputes. Formulation at Nicaea: The First Council of Nicaea was convened by Emperor Constantine in 325 C.E. to address the Arian controversy and achieve unity within the Church. The council produced the original Nicene Creed, which affirmed the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father, stating that Jesus Christ is "begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father." This phrase directly opposed Arian teachings, emphasizing the full divinity of Christ. Expansion at Constantinople: The Nicene Creed was expanded at the First Council of Constantinople in 381 C.E. to address further theological disputes, particularly concerning the Holy Spirit. The revised creed added language affirming the divinity of the Holy Spirit, describing it as "the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father." This addition solidified the doctrine of the Trinity as central to Christian orthodoxy. Significance and Legacy: The Nicene Creed is a foundational text that articulates core Christian beliefs about the Trinity, Christ's divinity, and the role of the Holy Spirit. It serves as a theological benchmark, defining orthodox Christianity and distinguishing it from heretical teachings. The creed is recited in liturgical services around the world, symbolizing the shared faith and unity of Christians across denominations. Its formulation marked a pivotal moment in the development of Christian doctrine, shaping the theological landscape for centuries to come. |
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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 (æons), Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; he was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried, and the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; from thence he shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spake by the prophets. In one holy catholic and apostolic Church; we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. Click here to print (PDF file). |
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