The Nicene Creed: Full Text, Meaning, and Why Churches Recite It
Quick summary: The Nicene Creed is one of the most widely used statements of Christian faith. Many churches recite it during worship as a shared confession of belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, the Holy Spirit, the Church, baptism, resurrection, and eternal life.
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Full Text of the Nicene Creed | Free Version to Print and Share | What Is the Nicene Creed? | Why Churches Say It | Nicene Creed vs. Apostles' Creed | Frequently Asked Questions
The Nicene Creed: Full Text
We believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all worlds;
God of God, Light of Light,
very God of very God;
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made.
Who, for us and for our salvation,
came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary,
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered and was buried;
and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures;
and ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of the Father;
and He shall come again, with glory,
to judge both the living and the dead;
whose kingdom shall have no end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and Giver of Life;
who proceedeth from the Father and the Son;
who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified;
who spoke by the prophets.
And we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins;
and we look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Note: Some churches use slightly different wording, including “I believe” instead of “We believe,” or modernized language such as “of one Being with the Father.” The core meaning remains the same across most liturgical traditions.
What Is the Nicene Creed?
The Nicene Creed is a formal statement of Christian belief. It summarizes central doctrines of the Christian faith, especially belief in the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
It is called the “Nicene” Creed because it is associated with the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325 and later clarification at the Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381. These councils addressed major theological disputes in the early Church, especially questions about the divinity of Jesus Christ.
In simpler terms, the Nicene Creed is the Church saying, in one carefully built statement: this is what Christians believe about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, baptism, resurrection, and eternal life.
Why Do Churches Recite the Nicene Creed?
Many churches recite the Nicene Creed during worship because it serves as a shared confession of faith. It is not merely a reading or historical artifact. For many congregations, it is a way of joining their voices with generations of Christians across time and place.
The creed is especially common in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and other liturgical traditions. Some Protestant churches also use it regularly or occasionally, especially on feast days, confirmation services, baptisms, or teaching Sundays.
What Does “Catholic” Mean in the Nicene Creed?
One line that sometimes causes confusion is: “one holy catholic and apostolic Church.” In the creed, the word catholic means universal or whole. It does not necessarily refer only to the Roman Catholic Church.
So when many Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, and Catholic Christians say this line, they are confessing belief in the universal Church: the whole body of faithful Christians throughout the world and across history.
Nicene Creed vs. Apostles' Creed
The Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed are both ancient Christian statements of faith, but they are not identical.
The Apostles' Creed is shorter and is often used in baptisms, personal devotion, and some worship services. The Nicene Creed is longer and more detailed, especially in how it describes Jesus Christ as fully divine and eternally begotten of the Father.
In worship, the Nicene Creed often feels more formal and theological, while the Apostles' Creed is usually simpler and more compact. Both serve as anchors, but the Nicene Creed is the larger anchor with a bit more chain and cathedral-grade heft.
Why Is the Nicene Creed Important?
The Nicene Creed is important because it helped define orthodox Christian belief during a time of significant debate. It gives Christians a common language for core beliefs and helps preserve continuity between the early Church and the Church today.
For churches, the creed also has practical value. It teaches doctrine in a memorable form. It reminds worshipers that faith is not only personal, but shared. It also provides a clear summary of Christian belief for new members, visitors, students, and confirmation classes.
Helpful Church Supplies for Worship and Teaching
Whether your church recites the Nicene Creed every Sunday or teaches it during confirmation, worship materials can help your congregation participate with confidence. Church and Faith Supply offers church supplies for worship, sacraments, teaching, and liturgical life.
Please feel free to download, print, and share this Printable Version of the Nicene Creed.
You may also find these items from our collections helpful:
printed materials, Bibles and books, sanctuary essentials, and church supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nicene Creed
What is the Nicene Creed in simple terms?
The Nicene Creed is a summary of core Christian beliefs. It states belief in one God, Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Holy Spirit, the Church, baptism, resurrection, and eternal life.
Why is it called the Nicene Creed?
It is called the Nicene Creed because it is connected to the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325. The creed was later expanded and clarified at the Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381.
Do Catholics and Protestants both use the Nicene Creed?
Yes. The Nicene Creed is used by many Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and Protestant churches. Exact wording may vary by denomination or translation.
What does “begotten, not made” mean?
This phrase teaches that Jesus Christ is not a created being. In Christian doctrine, the Son is eternally begotten of the Father and shares the same divine nature.
What does “one holy catholic and apostolic Church” mean?
In this context, “catholic” means universal. The phrase refers to the one Church of Christ throughout the world, rooted in the teaching and witness of the apostles.
Is the Nicene Creed a prayer?
The Nicene Creed is primarily a confession of faith, not a prayer of request. However, because it is often spoken during worship, many Christians experience it devotionally as part of their prayer life.
Final Thoughts
The Nicene Creed has endured because it says a great deal in a relatively small space. It is theology with its sleeves rolled up: concise, sturdy, and built to carry centuries of Christian worship.
For churches that recite it, the creed is more than words on a page. It is a shared voice. It reminds the congregation what they believe, who they worship, and the hope they proclaim together.