Old words, fresh faith: rediscovering the Nicene Creed
In a world that prizes the new, the ancient can seem irrelevant. Yet in the year we mark 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea, the Nicene Creed stands as a quiet but powerful invitation to faith. Recited weekly in churches across the world, often without much thought, this ancient declaration is not just a piece of history. It is a living confession that can lead to fresh relationship with the living God.
“We believe…” — words not only spoken, but believed, lived, and trusted in every age.
What is the Nicene Creed?
The Nicene Creed was first written in AD 325, when bishops from across the Christian world gathered in the city of Nicaea to respond to confusion about who Jesus is. Was he truly divine, or somehow lesser than God the Father? The council affirmed the clear teaching of Scripture: Jesus Christ is “true God from true God”, one with the Father. Later, in AD 381 at Constantinople, the creed was developed further to include a fuller expression of the Holy Spirit’s role.
The Nicene Creed is Trinitarian in shape. It begins with the Father, focuses on the Son, and concludes with the Holy Spirit and the Church. It is not a full summary of Christian doctrine, but it captures the core truths which unite all believers.
Theme - Line from the creed - Scripture reference (NIV UK)
God as Creator - “Maker of heaven and earth” - Genesis 1:1
Jesus as divine - “True God from true God” - John 1:1
The cross - “Was crucified under Pontius Pilate” - Matthew 27:26
The resurrection - “On the third day he rose again” - 1 Corinthians 15:4
The Holy Spirit - “The Lord, the giver of life” - John 14:16–17
Why old words matter
Many today feel adrift in a fast-changing world. In a culture of personalised truth and ever-shifting values, the Nicene Creed offers solid ground. It tells us who God is, what he has done, and what we are called to believe.
The creed links us not only to the first Christians but to fellow believers around the world today. It reminds us that faith is not a private invention but a shared confession. When we stand and say “we believe”, we join a global and timeless chorus.
Old words matter because they hold truths that don’t change.
From doctrine to devotion
Some may see the creed as dry theology. But read slowly, with the heart as well as the mind, its words come alive.
“For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven…” — that is grace.
“He suffered death and was buried…” — that is love.
“He will come again in glory…” — that is hope.
The creed becomes not just something to affirm but something to adore. It leads us from belief to worship, from doctrine to devotion.
It can be a guide for prayer. Try reading a few lines each day. Pause. Reflect. Ask: What does this tell me about God? What does it mean for me today?
“The creed is not cold theology; it is a warm fire for the soul.”
Using the creed today
Churches may feel the pressure to always be new and fresh. But sometimes the old paths lead to the deepest renewal. The Nicene Creed is not a barrier to vibrant faith; it is a pathway.
In your daily prayers or in small group worship, use the creed as a prompt. Reflect on what each line reveals about God’s character and saving work. Teach it to your children. Say it at baptisms. Let it shape your worldview and your worship.
Rather than replace it, help people rediscover it. As T. S. Eliot wrote, “We shall not cease from exploration… and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”
Ancient words, living faith
This year marks seventeen centuries since those first Christians gathered in Nicaea. Much has changed. But the truth they confessed remains.
These old words are not a relic of the past. They are a doorway into a living relationship with the triune God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are not simply what we believe. They are whom we trust.
Old words, yes. But still they speak. And still they call us to believe.
Questions for reflection
Use these personally, or share in small groups:
Which phrase in the Nicene Creed do you find most moving or meaningful? Why?
How does saying “we believe” with others shape your understanding of faith?
In what ways has the creed helped you deepen your relationship with God?
Are there any lines in the creed that you find challenging or unclear? What might help you engage with them more deeply?
What practices could you adopt to make the creed part of your spiritual rhythm?