The
Nicene Creed
In order to summarise Christian belief in an
easy-to-remember form, a Council of Christians meeting in 451 formulated the
Nicean Creed. This still describes the faith of all true Christians.
We
believe in one God, the Father, the 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 of the
Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was
crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third
day he rose again 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.
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.
You do not have to accept or understand
all that is in the Creed to become a Christian. But you have to admit that
you have sinned against God, believe that His Son Jesus Christ died for you,
and gladly accept His pardon and forgiveness. You will then need to start
learning and growing in the Christian life, by reading the Bible, praying,
and meeting with other Christian believers. As you grow in faith, your understanding
of God and your relationship with Him will also grow. When He walked on the
earth, Jesus Christ had disciples. He still has disciples today: disciples
are learners.
