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From the Pastor’s Desk:

1700 Years of the Nicene Creed: A Lutheran Reflection

This year marks the 1700th anniversary of one of the most important events in Christian history: the formation of the Nicene Creed. In A.D. 325, Christian bishops from across the Roman Empire gathered in the city of Nicaea (modern-day İznik, Turkey) to address pressing questions about the nature of Jesus Christ and the heart of the Christian faith. Out of this council came the Nicene Creed—a bold, unified declaration of what Christians believe about God, Christ, and salvation.  As Lutherans, we join the wider Church in giving thanks for this enduring statement of belief and reflecting on its continued significance.

But, why does a creed from the 4th century still matter today?

The Nicene Creed emerged in response to confusion and false teaching, particularly surrounding the nature of Jesus Christ. Was He truly God, or just a special creation? The Church answered with clarity: Jesus is ‘God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,’ of one substance with the Father. This was no small matter. At stake was nothing less than the truth of our salvation. If Jesus is not truly God, He cannot truly save. But because He is God—and also fully human—He is the one and only Redeemer of the world.

Martin Luther held the ecumenical creeds, including the Nicene Creed, in the highest regard. In fact, the Nicene Creed remains a central part of our liturgy and confessional identity. The Lutheran Confessions affirm it as a faithful summary of Scripture, and we regularly confess it in our worship services, especially on major festivals. It unites us not only with Christians around the globe, but also with the faithful across time.
In a world where many voices compete for our attention—offering shifting values, personal ‘truths,’ and watered-down versions of the gospel—the Nicene Creed continues to speak clearly. It proclaims the unchanging truth about who God is, what He has done, and how He continues to work in His Church through the Holy Spirit.

Reciting the creed is not just a ritual; it is a witness. We declare that we believe in one God who created all things, one Lord Jesus Christ who was crucified and rose again for our salvation, and one Holy Spirit who gives life to the Church. This shared confession helps guard the Church from error and encourages us to remain rooted in God’s Word, especially in times of uncertainty.

As we celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, we give thanks that God has preserved His truth through the centuries. Let this be a time to recommit ourselves to faithful confession and joyful worship. May the creed not just live on our lips, but shape our hearts and lives.

Luther once wrote that the Church is not made up of people who have no sin, but of people who believe in Christ and daily receive His forgiveness. That faith—the faith we confess in the Nicene Creed—remains our firm foundation.

‘We believe…’—still, and by God’s grace, always.