The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God,
the awesome Creator of everything,
the universe, the stars, and even me!

I believe in Jesus, God’s Son,
who lived on earth just like us.
He was born, not from a dad,
but through the Holy Spirit,
from a mum named Mary.

He grew up and taught us
about God’s love,
how to be kind,
and how to forgive.

But people didn’t understand,
they hurt him,
and even killed him.

But death couldn’t hold him down,
on the third day, he came back to life,
showing us that good always wins.

Then, he went up to heaven
where he sits beside God,
and from there, he’ll come back
to judge the world with fairness.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
who’s like a helper and a friend,
always here for us,
giving us strength and guidance.

I believe in one big family of God,
called the Church,
where we come together to worship,
learn about Jesus,
and show love to each other.

I believe that God can forgive us,
no matter what we’ve done,
when we say we’re sorry
and try to do better.

I believe in life after death,
a new world where everything’s perfect,
and we’ll be with God forever and ever.

Amen!

The Nicene Creed, formulated in 325 AD, is a statement of Christian belief that doesn’t directly quote specific Bible verses. However, it is deeply rooted in Scriptural teachings. Many Bible verses support the concepts and doctrines expressed in the Creed. Here are a few examples:

On God the Father:

• Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (God as Creator)
• Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (The oneness of God)

On Jesus Christ:

• John 1:1-3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (Jesus as divine and co-eternal with the Father)
• John 14:6: “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jesus as the only way to salvation)

On the Holy Spirit:

• Genesis 1:2: “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (The Holy Spirit present at creation)
• John 14:26: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (The Holy Spirit as teacher and guide)

On the Church and other doctrines:

• Matthew 16:18: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (The establishment of the Church)
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ)

Many resources offer a more in-depth analysis of the Scriptural basis for the Nicene Creed. For further exploration, you can consult the following:

• The Nicene Creed with Scriptural References: https://stpaulsirvine.org/the-creed-with-scriptural-references/
• What Exactly Is the Nicene Creed, and Is it Biblical?: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/where-did-the-nicene-creed-come-from.html

By examining these resources and reflecting on the relevant Bible verses, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Nicene Creed’s foundation in Scripture.

And some more Bible verses that correspond to various sections of the Nicene Creed:

• One God, the Father Almighty: Ephesians 4:6
• One Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God: Acts 11:17, Matthew 14:33
• Begotten of the Father Before All Ages: John 1:2
• God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God: John 1:4, John 8:12
• Begotten Not Made, Of One Essence with the Father: John 10:30
• Through Whom All Things Were Made: John 1:3, Colossians 1:16
• Who for Us Men and for Our Salvation Came Down from Heaven: John 6:33, 35
• And Was Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary: Luke 1:35
• And Became Man: John 1:14
• And Was Crucified for Us Under Pontius Pilate: Mark 15:25
• Suffered and Was Buried: Luke 23:53, 1 Corinthians 15:4
• And on the Third Day He Rose Again According to the Scriptures: Luke 24:1-7, 1 Corinthians 15:4
• Ascended into Heaven and Sits at the Right Hand of the Father: Mark 16:19, Acts 7:55

My reason for creating a more readable Nicene Creed is not to water the creed down but make it accessible for more people. The exciting thing about the creed is that it is so comprehensive and once people start using it as a statement then it will strengthen their faith.