During this past Sunday’s sermon – 1 John 1:1-4 – I briefly mentioned the Nicene Creed and it’s importance in establishing the humanity and deity of Jesus. Though we are 1700 years removed from this council I am grateful for their defense regarding the person of Jesus. Daniel Akin summarizes the situation well:
In AD 325 church leaders from around the Roman Empire gathered in Nicea (in modern day Turkey). The issue on the table was “Who is the Son?” A popular Presbyter from Alexandria named Arius said, “God became a Father, and the Son was not always; … once He was not;…He was created” (“Athanasius: Select Works and Letters” in Schaff). Two men, Alexander and Athanasius, strongly opposed this view, believing that biblical truth and the doctrine of salvation itself hung in the balance. In God’s providence the Arians were defeated, and what we know as “The Nicene Creed” was set forth as the biblical and orthodox understanding of the nature and person of Jesus. Both His humanity and His deity are beautifully affirmed. And His person and work as the Christ are wonderfully balanced. In glad confession and worship, may we also confess with our spiritual fathers that this too we believe!
Daniel Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition. Exalting Jesus in 1, 2, & 3 JohnWe 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 men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate of 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 worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.We believe in one holy catholic [universal] 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.
One final word: if you are interested in studying the life of Athanasius I would encourage you to start with this brief article by John Piper – One Man’s Joy Stood Against the Whole World. There is also a larger biography that you can read or listen too – Contending for Our All. I would commend both to you for your edification and joy.
Athanasius of Alexandria