One Man's Stand

Nº 421

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, consubstantial with the Father. - Nicene Creed - AD 325

The first Council of Nicene ended on this date, August 25, AD 325, with the adoption of the Nicene Creed. This historic document crystallized the doctrine of the trinity and condemned the Arian heresy that asserted that Jesus was a wonderful, powerful, and loving created being, but not God.

One brilliant young scholar who participated in the Council was Athanasius. He soon became the Bishop of Alexandria in Egypt. The Arian heresy was voted down at Nicaea, but it remained active for many years (in some forms, even today). Athanasius was threatened, attacked, and exiled multiple times in his fight to defend the deity of Christ.

He famously wrote, “If the world is against the truth, then I am against the world.”

Many of Jesus’ followers sensed the cost of discipleship was too high and were abandoning Him. You do not want to leave me too do you? Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know you are the holy one of God. (John 6: 67-69)

Like Athanasius and Peter, we must recognize the deity of Christ and live lives that serve, honor, and worship him.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President