The Nicene Creed, also called the Nicaeno-Constantinopolitan
Creed, is a statement of the orthodox faith of the early Christian church in
opposition to certain heresies, especially the heresy of Arius. These heresies,
which disturbed the church during the fourth century, concerned the doctrine of
the Trinity and of the Person of Christ. Both the Greek (Eastern) and the Latin
(Western) church held this creed in honor, though with one important
difference: the Western church insisted on the inclusion of the phrase "and the
Son" (known as the "filioque") in the article on the procession of the Holy
Spirit; this phrase still is repudiated by the Eastern Orthodox church. In its
present form this creed goes back partially to the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
with additions by the Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381). It was accepted in
its present form at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, but the "filioque" phrase
was not added until 589. However, the creed is in substance an accurate and
majestic formulation of the Nicene faith. This translation of the Greek text
was approved by the CRC Synod of 1988.
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.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
and was made human.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered and was buried.
The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again with glory
to judge the living and the dead.
His kingdom will never end.
And 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.
