📖 Nicene Creed – Catholic Profession of Faith
The Nicene Creed is the profession of faith used during the celebration of Mass. It was formulated at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and later expanded at the First Council of Constantinople in 381 AD. This creed clearly articulates the essential beliefs of the Catholic faith, especially regarding the nature of Christ.
Full Text of the Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day 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.
I 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 adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
Historical Background
The Nicene Creed was formulated in response to the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Jesus Christ. At the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, the bishops gathered to clarify the Church's teaching about the nature of Christ and His relationship to the Father.
The key phrase "consubstantial with the Father" (homoousios in Greek) was added to clearly affirm that Jesus Christ is truly God, of the same substance as the Father. This was later expanded at the First Council of Constantinople in 381 AD to include the section about the Holy Spirit.
The Nicene Creed has been used in the liturgy since the 6th century and remains the most authoritative statement of Christian belief, uniting Catholics, Orthodox, and many Protestant denominations.
Key Beliefs Affirmed
The Holy Trinity
One God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each Person is fully God, yet there is only one God.
The Incarnation
Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man, born of the Virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Paschal Mystery
Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension for our salvation, and His future return in glory.
The Church
One, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, with one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
Comparison with Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
- • More detailed about Christ's divinity
- • Includes "consubstantial with the Father"
- • More explicit about the Holy Spirit
- • Used at Mass on Sundays and solemnities
- • Longer and more theological
Apostles' Creed
- • More concise and accessible
- • Focuses on the basic facts of faith
- • Used in the Rosary and other devotions
- • Shorter and more straightforward
- • Good for daily prayer and catechesis
When We Pray the Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed is recited during Mass on Sundays and solemnities, typically after the homily and before the Prayer of the Faithful. This placement is significant because:
- • After hearing God's Word - We respond by professing our faith
- • Before the Eucharist - We prepare to receive Christ by affirming our belief in Him
- • As a community - We profess our faith together, united in belief
- • As preparation - We ready our hearts for the celebration of the Eucharist
The Creed is also used in other liturgical celebrations, such as baptisms, confirmations, and ordinations, as a way to profess our faith and unite with the universal Church.
Spiritual Significance
When we recite the Nicene Creed, we are not just repeating words - we are making a profound act of faith. We are declaring our belief in the core mysteries of our faith and uniting ourselves with the entire Church throughout history and around the world.
The Creed helps us to understand and articulate what we believe as Catholics. It serves as a summary of the essential teachings of our faith and a guide for our spiritual journey. By regularly professing these beliefs, we strengthen our faith and grow in our understanding of God's revelation.
The Nicene Creed is also a powerful witness to the world. When we profess our faith publicly, we bear witness to the truth of the Gospel and invite others to consider the claims of Christ and His Church.