The Nicene Creed was developed during the First and Second Ecumenical Councils of Nicea in the years 325 and 381, respectively. The purpose of these councils was to try and unite the Christian Church doctrinally in areas essential to our faith such as the Trinity, the divine and human nature of Christ, etc. The original Nicene Council was called by the Emperor Constantine in order to affirm the doctrine of the divinity of Christ and to come against the Arian heresy that denied this doctrine. The second council was convened to revise the creed in order to combat the Macedonian heresy that denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit.

I think the Nicene Creed nicely summarizes most of the important doctrines of our faith. It is also a beautiful piece of literature. Like the Apostles Creed, if read and recited by those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, it can be a meaningful confession of belief. If read as part of a rote requirement, however, it’s meaning can be eclipsed. I have found this to be a useful tool with my children, especially my oldest daughter. It is her favorite creed to recite. She relishes the language and cherishes the truths the words confess.  The creed is as follows (See notes below for clarification on some of the language contained in this 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. 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.

 

*Catholic here means "universal" and refers to the body of all believers in general.

* Apostolic means "built on the teaching of the apostles"

* The term "baptism for the forgiveness of sins" can be confusing because it could lead someone to believe that baptism is necessary for salvation. This phrase is based on two scripture verses: 1 Corinthians 12:13 ("by one spirit we are all baptized into one body") & Acts 2:38 (Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins . . ."). The ESV Study Bible note on Acts 2:38 states "The willingness to submit to baptism is an outward expression of inward faith in Christ." (Also see 1 Peter 3:21).

For more information see the following websites:

http://www.carm.org/christianity/creeds-and-confessions/nicene-creed-325-ad

http://www.gotquestions.org/Nicene-creed.html