The Trinity: Unpacking the Nicene Creed 4th Century Christianity The Council of Nicaea Document # TX001187

Big Changes in the 4th Century Christianity is growing, and becoming more influential. Emperor Constantine who controlled the western part of the Roman Empire, and Licinius, who controlled the Balkans, met in Milan and agreed to treat the Christians benevolently. THE EDICT OF MILAN 313: an agreement by the Emporer(s) of the Rome that legitimatized Christianity – ie made it a authorized religion.

Constantine Helps the Chruch After the Edict of Milan, Constantine continues to help Christianity grow: He gives back all property stolen from Christians during the great persecutions. Under the influence of Helena, his mother, he builds a huge basilica over the tomb of St. Peter. He declared Sunday, the Lord’s Day, a Roman Holiday Banned some forms of “Pagan Worship” Within 50 years, Christianity becomes the official religion of the Roman Empire.

The Canonization of the Bible. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARdwIWDnE90 Canon = a measuring stick or official list. Criteria: Were these texts in use? Were they written by Apostle or in line with Apostles Teaching. Did they contain accurate information?

The Council of Nicaea In 325 the Leaders of the Church met to talk about the Arian Heresy. Over one hundred bishops met to discuss the growing Arian movement. Ultimately the Arian Heresy was condemned. But it continued on until the end of the 4th Century. It was put to rest by another Council at Constantinople in 381. Read page 91 and notice that councils become an important part of maintaining the Truth of Christian Teaching.

Adoption of the Nicene Creed What Is a Creed? a summary statement of beliefs a profession of faith

What Is the Nicene Creed? The Nicene Creed is the summary statement of Christian belief that was originally formulated at the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325. It was revised and promulgated at the Council of Constantinople in AD 381. Image in public domain

The Nicene Creed In the next slides, the lines of the Nicene Creed are displayed one at a time.   Take a moment to reflect on what image of the Trinity is being expressed in each slide: God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit. Each slide has a question or questions for reflection. Notes: Be sure you allow enough thinking time before you call on a student.

The Nicene Creed (cont.) We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is visible and invisible. Which Person(s) of the Trinity is being described? What does this mean? Notes: Be sure you allow enough thinking time before you call on a student. Be sure students are constructing support for their answers. All answers should be tied back to previous material. Stop as needed to check for understanding.

The Nicene Creed (cont.) I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son of God Born of the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstancial with the Father. Which Person(s) of the Trinity is being described? What does this mean? What is consubstancial mean? Through him all things were made. Which Person(s) of the Trinity is being described? What does this mean?

The Nicene Creed (cont.) For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit, he was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. Which Person(s) of the Trinity is being described? What does this mean? Why is important that he is “incarnate” not just born? For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death, and was buried… Why is it important that Jesus dies? Notes: Be sure you allow enough thinking time before you call on a student. Be sure students are constructing support for their answers. All answers should be tied back to previous material. Stop as needed to check for understanding.

The Nicene Creed (cont.) … and he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. What does this mean? Why “accordance” instead of “fulfillment” He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. Which Person(s) of the Trinity is being described? What does this mean? Notes: Be sure you allow enough thinking time before you call on a student. Be sure the students are constructing support for their answers. All answers should be tied back to previous material. Stop as needed to check for understanding.

The Nicene Creed (cont.) I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. Which Person(s) of the Trinity is being described? What does this mean? Who, with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. Why phrase this statement like above? Why not, “with the Father and the Son He is worshiped…” The same happens below. Who has spoken through the Prophets. Why add this to the Creed? Notes: Be sure you allow enough thinking time before you call on a student. Be sure the students are constructing support for their answers. All answers should be tied back to previous material. Stop as needed to check for understanding.

The Nicene Creed (cont.) We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. What does this line mean? Why a little “c” catholic here? I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. What does this line mean? We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Notes: Be sure you allow enough thinking time before you call on a student. Be sure the students are constructing support for their answers. All answers should be tied back to previous material. Stop as needed to check for understanding.

How Does the Nicene Creed Explain the Trinity? emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and humanity describes the relationship of the Son as “one in being with” the Father

The Trinity: Unpacking the Nicene Creed The Nicene Creed is an expression of the Trinity, an expression of faith. Click to add notes