Seventeen hundred years ago, in response to the controversial teachings of Arius, the first ever Ecumenical Council of over 300 church fathers gathered in Nicaea in AD 325 to settle the issue and proclaim a unified doctrinal confession for the church. Arius contended that Jesus, while divine, was a created being and therefore was subordinate to God the Father, not co-equal nor co-eternal. He did not believe Jesus was of the same substance as the Father, but rather of a similar substance (homoiousios). This teaching ran afoul of the mainstream teaching that Jesus, as the divine Son of God, begotten not created, was of the same substance as the Father (homoousios), and is therefore co-equal or co-eternal with the Father.
One of the most fascinating moments during the council took place when St. Nicholas—the very same church father we memorialized as Santa Claus at Christmas—lost his patience with Arius. As Arius vigorously expounded his controversial views, Nicholas became increasingly agitated at Arius’ low Christology. Finally, he could no longer bear to see Jesus demeaned any longer. So Nicholas got up, marched across the room, and slapped Arius across the face!
The Council of Nicaea denounced Arianism as heresy and affirmed the Scriptural teaching of Christ’s full divinity in what became known as the Nicaean Creed. The council first gathered on May 20th and drew to a close at the end of July. So today, we mark the anniversary of this important council and the creed which continues to guide the church today.
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 of God, Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of the same essence as 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 through the Son. With the Father and the Son He is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy, 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.
Amen❣ I need to understand church history more and you have encouraged me to go deeper. Thank You Pastor Miller ❤🥰