L4: The Deity of Christ
The Christological Creeds
Historic Creeds and Confessions
The historic, Christological creeds and confessions of the church are a gift and guide to us as we seek to hear the Bible rightly in its testimony to Jesus.
The following video of Ligonier Ministries' "The Ligonier Statement on Christology" is a good example of a modern attempt at stewarding historic, orthodox Christology. It is short, but powerful. I memorized this confession with my family, and it has been a sweet gift to us all. I encourage you to do the same. Below, you will also find the text of the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. Read through each, and notice the beauty and preciseness of the language. In the next lesson, we will read through the Chalcedonian Definition, which is the most instructive, precise, and glorious summary of historic, orthodox Christology from the early church.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
(Quoted from "I Believe": Exploring the Apostles' Creed by Alister E. McGrath)
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.
Who, for us men for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
(Quoted from CCEL)
What do these creeds highlight about Jesus's identity? Why do they emphasize these points?
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.
How do these creeds and confessions help you understand the Bible's testimony to Jesus?
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.