Nicene Creed - Christian Statement of Faith

For the last two weeks, Pastor Jonathan has been leading the congregation of Pentecost Methodist Church in reciting the Nicene Creed, a statement of Christian Faith during this Advent Season, just before Christmas.

Although it seemed methodological, but I think it is important for us to be reminded from time to time who God is, through this creed. =)

This creed is an extension of the Apostle Creed and most importantly, this statement affirms the identity of Christian Church (including the Catholic Church) of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The purpose of a Christian creed was to establish conformity of belief, uniquely essential for Christians, and by public professions of the faith, to identify heretics or any disconformity within each community. The Creed is an epitome, not a full definition, of what is required for personal orthodoxy. It was hoped that by memorizing this summary of the faith, lay people without extensive theological training would still be able to recognize deviations from orthodox Christianity. (Adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed)

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic (universal) and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Picture and Text adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed