Explore the Nicene Creed
Tap a line to expand a short explanation and verse references for further study.
Creed Lines
13 itemsWe believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
What this means
Christians confess one God who is personal (the Father) and sovereign over all creation-maker of both the visible world and unseen realities.
Further study
- Deuteronomy 6:4
- Genesis 1:1
- 1 Corinthians 8:6
- Colossians 1:16
- Psalm 90:2
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God; begotten, not made; of one being with the Father.
What this means
Jesus is eternally the Son-fully God, sharing the same divine nature as the Father; not created, but of one being with the Father.
Further study
- John 1:1-3
- Hebrews 1:3
- Philippians 2:6
- John 17:5
Through him all things were made.
What this means
The Son is the divine agent of creation; everything exists through Him and for Him.
Further study
- John 1:3
- Colossians 1:16
- Hebrews 1:2
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 man.
What this means
Out of love, the eternal Son took on real humanity-conceived by the Spirit, born of Mary-to rescue sinners.
Further study
- John 3:16-17
- John 1:14
- Luke 1:35
- Galatians 4:4
- Matthew 1:23
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried.
What this means
Jesus truly suffered and died in history under Roman authority, bearing our sins and being laid in a tomb.
Further study
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
- Mark 15:15
- Isaiah 53:5
On the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures.
What this means
God raised Jesus bodily from the dead, vindicating Him and guaranteeing new life for His people.
Further study
- Luke 24:6-7
- 1 Corinthians 15:4
- Psalm 16:10
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
What this means
The risen Christ has been exalted to the Father's right hand, ruling and interceding for His people.
Further study
- Acts 1:9
- Ephesians 1:20
- Hebrews 1:3
He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead.
What this means
Jesus will return to set all things right, judging with perfect justice and bringing His kingdom in fullness.
Further study
- Matthew 25:31-32
- Acts 10:42
- 2 Timothy 4:1
His kingdom will have no end.
What this means
Christ's reign is everlasting-His saving rule will never diminish or pass away.
Further study
- Luke 1:33
- Daniel 7:14
And 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 worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
What this means
The Holy Spirit is the life-giving Lord, fully divine, worthy of worship, who inspired the prophets and applies salvation.
Further study
- 2 Corinthians 3:17
- John 15:26
- John 14:26
- Job 33:4
- 2 Peter 1:21
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
What this means
There is one global people of God, set apart by Him, built on the apostles' foundation, spanning every place and time.
Further study
- Ephesians 4:4-6
- 1 Peter 2:9
- Ephesians 2:20
- Matthew 16:18
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
What this means
Baptism is the sign given by Christ marking entry into His people, pointing to God's cleansing and new life in the gospel.
Further study
- Acts 2:38
- Ephesians 4:5
- Titus 3:5
We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
What this means
Christians await bodily resurrection and the renewed creation where God dwells with His people forever.
Further study
- John 5:28-29
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
- Revelation 21:1-4
Explore the Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed has served for over 1,700 years as a clear statement of the essentials of the Christian faith. It helps us distinguish what is central and unchanging, and it unites believers across cultures, denominations, and generations as part of the global Church throughout history.