The Nicene Creed
The Universal Statement of Christian Faith
The Nicene Creed is the most widely used creed in Christianity, adopted at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and expanded in 381 AD, affirming the full divinity of Christ and the Holy Spirit.
About the Nicene Creed
Everything you need to understand this historic confession — its origins, its theology, and its enduring place in the life of the Church.
Adopted 325 AD (expanded 381 AD)
Forged by the First Council of Nicaea, the Nicene Creed has guided Christian thought and worship for centuries — a confession tested by time and affirmed by the Church.
Theological Clarity
The Nicene Creed answers the most essential questions of the Christian faith — who God is, who Christ is, and what the Church believes together. Explore it article by article.
One Faith, Shared Heritage
With 33,000 denominations and one Church, the historic creeds are our common ground. This site exists to make that shared heritage clearly explained and freely available to every believer, student, and seeker.
Why This Site Exists
The Nicene Creed is the most widely used creed in Christianity, adopted at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and expanded in 381 AD, affirming the full divinity of Christ and the Holy Spirit.
The Heavenly Network, in partnership with The Christian Chain, has developed this network of Church Creed and Confession sites in order to make the historic faith of the Church clearly explained, faithfully presented, and freely accessible to every believer, student, and seeker who wants to understand what the whole Church has always believed together.
Ephesians 4:4–6"There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all."
Ecumenical Tradition — 325 AD (expanded 381 AD)
First Council of Nicaea
Latest Articles
Explore our most recent writing on this creed — its history, theology, and ongoing significance for the church today.
Who Was Arius and Why Does He Matter?
Arius was condemned as a heretic at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, but his ideas have never fully gone away. Understanding who he was — and what he actually taught — is essential for understanding the Nicene Creed itself.
By Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.
Ordained Minister, M.Div.
Date
April 11, 2026
The Council of Nicaea: Why 325 AD Changed Christianity Forever
In 325 AD, over 300 bishops gathered in a small city in modern-day Turkey and made decisions that still shape how Christians worship, pray, and define their faith today. Here is what happened and why it still matters.
By Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.
Ordained Minister, M.Div.
Date
April 4, 2026
What Does 'Begotten, Not Made' Mean? The Heart of the Nicene Creed
The phrase 'begotten, not made' is one of the most precise and carefully chosen statements in the history of Christian theology. Learn what it means and why the Council of Nicaea fought so hard to include it.
By Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.
Ordained Minister, M.Div.
Date
March 28, 2026