Read and analyze the Nicene Creed. Provide the biblical sources each line in not less than 2 sources. Provide explanation/understanding.

The Nicene Creed, established in AD 325 at the First Council of Nicaea, serves as a declaration of faith that affirms the core beliefs of Christian doctrine. Below is a line-by-line analysis of the Creed, supported by relevant biblical sources and explanations. ### The Nicene Creed **1. We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.** - **Biblical Sources:** - Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." - Isaiah 44:24 - "This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself." - **Explanation:** This line establishes monotheism, emphasizing the singular nature of God as the ultimate creator of all existence. It highlights God's authority ("Almighty") and intentional act of creation, which includes both the physical and spiritual realms ("visible and invisible"). --- **2. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds;** - **Biblical Sources:** - John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." - Colossians 1:15 - "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." - **Explanation:** This affirms the divinity of Jesus Christ and distinguishes him as God's unique son, emphasizing his preexistence before creation. The term "only-begotten" suggests his unique relationship with the Father, highlighting the belief in Jesus' divine origin. --- **3. Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made;** - **Biblical Sources:** - John 1:5 - "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - Hebrews 1:3 - "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power." - **Explanation:** This section reinforces the doctrine of the Trinity and the consubstantiality of Jesus with God the Father. "Begotten, not made" clarifies that Jesus' existence is eternal and divine, unlike created beings, and asserts His role as creator. --- **4. Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man;** - **Biblical Sources:** - John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - Luke 1:35 - "And the angel answered her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.'" - **Explanation:** This affirms the purpose of Jesus' incarnation, which is tied to human salvation. The reference to the virgin birth states that Jesus entered the world through divine intervention, underlining the mystery of His nature as both fully divine and fully human. --- **5. And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried;** - **Biblical Sources:** - Mark 15:15 - "So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified." - 1 Corinthians 15:3 - "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures." - **Explanation:** This acknowledges the historical reality of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion, which are central to Christian faith. It stresses that His death was for humanity's sake, fulfilling prophetic and redemptive purposes. --- **6. And the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures;** - **Biblical Sources:** - Matthew 28:6 - "He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay." - 1 Corinthians 15:4 - "That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." - **Explanation:** This line emphasizes the resurrection as a foundational event in Christian faith, underlining Jesus' victory over death and sin. It aligns with the belief in the fulfillment of Scripture regarding the Messiah's rising. --- **7. And ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father.** - **Biblical Sources:** - Acts 1:9 - "And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight." - Hebrews 1:3 - "After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." - **Explanation:** This affirms the ascension of Jesus and his exalted position in relation to God the Father. Sitting at the "right hand" signifies authority and intercession, indicating His ongoing role in the salvation of believers. --- **8. And he shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.** - **Biblical Sources:** - Matthew 25:31 - "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne." - 2 Timothy 4:1 - "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom." - **Explanation:** This asserts the second coming of Christ, emphasizing His role as a judge for both the living and the dead. The enduring nature of His kingdom points to the eternal aspect of God's reign and the fulfillment of divine promises. --- **9. And 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 together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.** - **Biblical Sources:** - John 14:17 - "Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." - 2 Peter 1:21 - "For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." - **Explanation:** This section highlights the Holy Spirit's identity and role in the Trinity, emphasizing His divinity as well as His active presence in the world. "Giver of Life" reflects the Spirit's role in creation and regeneration. --- **10. And I believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.** - **Biblical Sources:** - Ephesians 4:4-5 - "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism." - Acts 2:42 - "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." - **Explanation:** This statement expresses belief in the oneness and unity of the Church, reflecting its foundational nature as Christ's body. The descriptors signify the Church's universality and apostolic origin. --- **11. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.** - **Biblical Sources:** - Acts 2:38 - "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" - Ephesians 4:5 - "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." - **Explanation:** This affirms the significance of baptism as a means of receiving forgiveness, stressing its essential role in the believer's initiation into the Christian faith and community. --- **12. And I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.** - **Biblical Sources:** - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first." - John 5:28-29 - "Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment." - **Explanation:** This final affirmation encapsulates the Christian hope in bodily resurrection and eternal life, echoing the promise of new existence in God’s eternal kingdom. --- In summary, the Nicene Creed serves to unify beliefs regarding God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and eschatology (end times). Each line reflects foundational doctrines central to Christian faith, grounded in the Scriptures.