We Believe In One Lord

In this unit, we will concentrate on Jesus Christ. We say that we are Christians; that is, followers of Jesus the Christ (the Anointed One). What does that mean? Who is Jesus to you? What promises do we make in our Baptismal Covenant?

Let’s begin by looking at the Nicene Creed (BCP, p. 358). This creed was adopted by the Council of Nicea (a gathering of bishops and leaders of the whole church) in 324 A.D. It was created to counter theological understandings of the nature of Christ and of the Holy Trinity that ran counter to the beliefs of the main body of the church. The second section (beginning with “We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ”) deals with both questions. Slowly read through this section, ending with “and his kingdom will have no end.”

There are three primary parts or dimensions to this section. See if you can identify them. The church teaches the indivisibility and equality of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. The language in the first section says all that it can to make it clear that Jesus is God the Son and that the Son is of one substance with the Father. Not a sub-god or a demigod, but the real deal. Why is this important? The second section deals with the human nature of Christ, making it clear that he was completely human. Again, what difference does this make? The final section proclaims the church’s great hope: Jesus will return and set things to right.

The Nicene Creed is to be said by the gathered church on Sundays and other major feasts. It is the primary statement of the faith of the church and is, for Episcopalians, our primary statement of doctrine. Notice that the creed contains statements of belief by the group (“We believe”). I may rely on the faith of the church to carry me when I don’t understand or have doubts. (See Collect 6, BCP, p. 395).

The other primary creed of the church is known as the Apostle’s Creed. It is also an ancient statement of orthodox Christian faith. This creed is stated in “I” terms and is used in Baptism. Look at the Confirmation Service, pp 416-417. Make a note of any questions that the creed may raise and e-mail me or talk to me if it would be helpful.

A good summary of the church’s understanding of Jesus is found in the Catechism (BCP, 849-850). Check it out.

In the confirmation service, the Bishop asks a series of questions to the candidates (BCP, 415). These are affirmations of the questions asked in Baptism. Look at those questions on 302-303. Notice that the language of those questions should be familiar to people who have been baptized in any Protestant tradition. We dress things up differently, but our commitment to Jesus as Lord is the same.

God bless you as you look and pray over this material and your call to follow the Lord.