Scripture and the Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed, a cornerstone of Christian belief, draws heavily from Scripture to articulate its core tenets. Here are some key verses that resonate with the Creed’s affirmations:

Belief in One God

Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
This verse, known as the Shema, emphasises the monotheistic nature of God, a central theme in the Creed.

Isaiah 44:6: “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.’”
This reinforces the uniqueness and sovereignty of God.

God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth

Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
This foundational verse speaks to God’s role as Creator of all things, visible and invisible.

Revelation 4:11: “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
This verse highlights God’s authority and power as the Creator.

Jesus Christ, God’s Only Son, Our Lord

John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This verse identifies Jesus as the divine Word, eternally existing with God.

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.”
This speaks to the Incarnation, the central belief that Jesus, while fully divine, also became fully human.

Colossians 1:15-16: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.”
This passage emphasises Jesus’ role in creation and his pre-eminence over all things.

The Holy Spirit

John 14:26: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
This verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as teacher and guide.

Acts 2:1-4: The account of Pentecost describes the Holy Spirit descending on the disciples, empowering them for witness and ministry.

The One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church

Matthew 16:18: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
This verse speaks to the founding of the Church and its enduring nature.

Ephesians 4:4-6: “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, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
This passage emphasises the unity of the Church.

The Resurrection of the Dead and the Life Everlasting

John 11:25-26: “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
This passage affirms the hope of resurrection through faith in Jesus.

Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.”
This verse speaks to the ultimate fulfilment of God’s promises in the new creation.

These are just a few examples of the many biblical verses that underpin the Nicene Creed. By grounding its affirmations in Scripture, the Creed provides a concise and powerful summary of core Christian beliefs.