what WE BELIEVE
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator 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 ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come.
The Nicene Creed, in its original form, was formulated at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. It was later expanded and adopted at the First Council of Constantinople in 381 AD.
The Nicene Creed is a statement of faith summarizing core Christian beliefs, particularly about the nature of God and Jesus Christ. It was first agreed upon by Christian leaders at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The creed is recited during worship services and baptism in many Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and most Protestant churches.
THEOLOGICAL DISTINCTIVES
God as the Alpha and Omega:
We affirm that God is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 21:6). As eternal and sovereign, God’s ultimate plan for creation reflects His nature—love, goodness, and perfect union with Himself.
A Unified Creation:
We reject a dualistic view of creation, believing that nothing exists apart from God’s will and sustaining presence (Acts 17:28). God is the ultimate source of all existence, and creation is destined to find its fulfillment in Him.
Christ’s Cosmic Victory:
We hold that God’s purpose is to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ (Ephesians 1:10). In Christ, redemption and reconciliation extend to all creation, reflecting God’s ultimate victory over sin and death.
God’s Nature as Love:
God’s essence is love (1 John 4:8). His justice and wrath are not opposed to His love but serve His redemptive purposes. We believe that all creation will culminate in universal union with God, as His love cannot fail or contradict His nature.
Humanity’s True Purpose:
Every human being is created in the image of God and finds their ultimate purpose in union with Him. Our true nature, hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3), is revealed as we encounter God’s grace and truth, leading us to freedom and transformation.
Freedom and Response:
God’s love honors human freedom while guiding all creation toward redemption. How we live matters deeply, as our choices shape our journey toward God. We are called to align with God’s life and love, rejecting sin and its consequences.
The Process of Becoming:
Creation is in the process of “becoming,” moving toward its ultimate destiny when God will be “all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28). Temporary rebellion and suffering are part of this journey, but God’s eternal purpose is to reconcile all things to Himself.
Judgment as Restorative:
We believe God’s judgment is not punitive but restorative, serving His purpose of healing and reconciliation. Through His loving justice, God draws all people to Himself, destroying sin and death while restoring all creation to its intended glory.
The Mission of Love and Hope:
We are invited to participate in God’s redemptive work now, living lives of love, hope, and reconciliation. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we join in the mission to reflect God’s love to the world, trusting in the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.
This belief inspires us to live in anticipation of God’s transformative work, embracing His love, and sharing His hope with all creation.
