The Nicene Creed and The Apostles' Creed

The Nicene Creed

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:
    by the power of the Holy Spirit
        he became incarnate from 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 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.
    With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
    He 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.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
    creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
        and born of the Virgin Mary.
    He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
        was crucified, died, and was buried.
    He descended to the dead.
    On the third day he rose again.
    He ascended into heaven,
        and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
    the holy catholic Church,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins
    the resurrection of the body,
    and the life everlasting. Amen.

History and Origins

The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed was developed during the early centuries of Christianity as a response to doctrinal disagreements and heresies, particularly Arianism, which denied the divinity of Jesus Christ. It originated from the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, a gathering of Christian bishops convened by Emperor Constantine to unify Christian doctrine across the Roman Empire. This council produced an initial version of the Creed, affirming the full divinity of Jesus Christ and his oneness with God the Father.

Later, in 381 AD, the First Council of Constantinople expanded and refined the Nicene Creed to include a more comprehensive understanding of the Holy Spirit. The resulting Creed became the foundational statement of Christian faith and remains a central part of liturgical worship in many Christian denominations, particularly in Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and some Protestant traditions.

The Nicene Creed is a profound theological statement that emphasizes the unity of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and affirms key doctrines such as the incarnation, resurrection, and eternal kingdom of Christ. Its communal language, starting with "We believe," reflects the unified faith of the global Church.

The Apostles' Creed

The Apostles' Creed, though not directly written by the apostles, is rooted in the early baptismal formulas of the Church and represents a summary of apostolic teaching. Its origins date back to the 2nd century, and it was widely used in the Western Church as a declaration of faith during baptism.

Legend suggests that each of the 12 apostles contributed one line to the Creed, though this is symbolic rather than historical. The Creed evolved over centuries, becoming formalized in its current form by the 8th century. Its straightforward, personal language—"I believe"—makes it an intimate confession of faith, often used in personal devotion and catechesis.

The Apostles' Creed affirms foundational Christian beliefs, such as the Trinity, the incarnation of Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection, and the hope of eternal life. It is especially significant in the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, and many Protestant traditions as a declaration of faith during baptism and daily prayer.

Comparison and Purpose

While both creeds articulate the essentials of Christian faith, they serve distinct purposes:

• The Nicene Creed is a communal and universal declaration, emphasizing theological precision to address heresies and define orthodoxy. It is recited during the Eucharist and major liturgical celebrations.

• The Apostles' Creed is a simpler, more personal profession of faith, often used during baptism, personal prayer, and daily worship. It is especially favored for its concise expression of Christian belief.

FAQ

1. What does "creed" mean?

The term "creed" comes from the Latin word credo, meaning "I believe." Creeds are concise statements of faith that summarize core Christian beliefs.

2. Why are there two creeds?

The Apostles' Creed and Nicene Creed serve different purposes. The Apostles' Creed originated as a baptismal confession of faith, while the Nicene Creed was developed to address theological disputes and unify Christian doctrine.

3. What is the significance of "catholic" in the creeds?

The word "catholic" means "universal" and refers to the universal Church of Christ, not specifically the Roman Catholic Church.

4. Why is the Nicene Creed written in communal language ("We believe")?

The Nicene Creed reflects the collective faith of the Church, emphasizing unity in doctrine and worship.

5. How do the creeds address the Trinity?

Both creeds affirm belief in the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—but the Nicene Creed provides a more detailed theological explanation of the relationship between the three Persons.

6. Why does the Apostles' Creed say Jesus "descended to the dead"?

This phrase reflects the belief that Jesus experienced death fully and proclaimed victory over sin and death, offering salvation to all who had died before his resurrection.

7. Are the creeds still relevant today?

Yes, the creeds provide a timeless summary of Christian beliefs, connecting modern Christians with the historical faith of the Church and uniting believers across denominations and cultures.

8. Why is the Nicene Creed used during communion?

The Nicene Creed is recited during communion to affirm the shared faith of the gathered community and to proclaim the mysteries of Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection.

9. What are the key differences between the two creeds?

• The Nicene Creed is longer and more theologically detailed, addressing specific doctrines like the divinity of Christ and the Holy Spirit.

• The Apostles' Creed is simpler and more concise, suitable for personal devotion and baptismal rites.

10. Can the creeds be altered?

The core content of the creeds is considered unchangeable as it reflects the foundational truths of Christianity. However, translations and adaptations may vary slightly to accommodate language and cultural differences.

Glossary

• Apostles' Creed: A short, early Christian statement of faith used in baptism and personal devotion.

• Catholic: Universal; referring to the whole Christian Church.

• Council of Nicaea: A gathering of bishops in 325 AD that formulated the initial version of the Nicene Creed.

• Council of Constantinople: A council in 381 AD that expanded the Nicene Creed to include a fuller understanding of the Holy Spirit.

• Creed: A formal statement of Christian beliefs.

• Eucharist: Also called Holy Communion; a sacrament commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.

• Heretic/Heresy: A belief or practice that deviates from orthodox Christian doctrine.

• Incarnation: The Christian belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ.

• Nicene Creed: A comprehensive statement of Christian faith developed at the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople.

• Orthodoxy: Adherence to correct or accepted creeds and doctrines of the Christian faith.

• Pontius Pilate: The Roman governor who presided over the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

• Resurrection: The belief that Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death.

• Trinity: The Christian doctrine that God exists as three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in one essence.

By studying and reciting the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds, Christians affirm their faith, connect with the historical Church, and express their unity with believers around the world and throughout history.