Jason McKnight: 14 Faith Forward – The Oldest, Most Important Structure in the World
I stood in the kitchen of a centuries-old farmhouse northwest of London, England. My host was a man of means and had renovated this large home to be comfortable and modern. He pointed to the thick ceiling beam running the length of the room and, with a twinkle in his eye, said to me, “That beam is older than your country.” Indeed.
Later in that same trip across the pond, I stood in the 700-year-old York Minster with its soaring spires and massive nave. The Great East Window is the size of a modern tennis court and has stood for 700 years!
We marvel at the structural integrity, craftsmanship, and enduring beauty of ancient structures. Their hold over us comes from the combination of engineering integrity, inviting functionality, and satisfying beauty.
In other words, they align with the laws of physics; they encourage people to work, live, play or worship; and they satisfy the soul as we inhabit it them.
This year, 2025, is the seventeen hundredth anniversary of one of the most important structures in the entire world. You may not yet have thought of it this year. A single structure that has allowed for more flourishing than nearly any other.
Think all the way back to AD325. In that year the foundations were laid of a most important human structure. It’s called the Nicene Creed. It begins in this way, “We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.”
This creed is the simple distilling of our faith and fencing of false doctrine. It’s what separates Biblical Christianity from any other imitation. It’s confessed together in churches throughout Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic worship. For 1700 it has stood tall, stood guard, stood majestically for God’s people.
When Constantine became Emperor in 312, he quickly summoned all the bishops to iron out their differences and to lay out what the church believes. Arius had said that Jesus was not eternal God, co-equal with the Father and the Spirit; rather, he was the highest creation. Many followed his interpretation of the New Testament.
Athanasius countered “NO! Jesus IS the eternal Son of God, ever living, always equal with God in glory, attributes, essence and being. But different from God the Father and God the Holy Spirit in their Persons.” One in essence, different in persons.
This interpretation of Scripture’s teaching ultimately was agreed to by the Council of Nicaea, held in the Fall of 325. They drafted a Creed to promote the biblical doctrine of Christ, and to protect the church from false teaching. The 325 Nicene Creed was born. 1700 years ago.
Like every strong structure, it was used, enjoyed and even improved on during its first few years: at the Council of Constantinople (381) its current form was adopted, and has been used in worship ever since.
It has three sections: a very brief credal statement about God the Father (quoted above). It can be brief, as there was no controversy here. A summary at the end of what we believe about the Holy Spirit and his work (the third section) – he too is the Lord, the Giver of Life… the one holy catholic (universal) church, one forgiveness of sins and one resurrection.
The middle section is the longest: “We believe in on Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God…” Why the emphasis here? Because it arises out of the controversies about Christ’s identity and nature noted above: whether he is mere creation or eternal God. And whether, if God, he is fully human or just seemed to be.
The Creed summarizes and emphasizes Scripture’s teaching: We indeed worship a Savior who is God eternal, who became truly human for our salvation, and who now reigns and will return to judge “the quick and the dead.” Scripture reveals Christ as the true God of eternity and only Savior of humanity. He is the Deepest Hope for the hurting and the Truest Friend of sinners.
Why does the Nicene Creed still matter? Like the other ancient structures that still stand, it aligns with reality: it is a reflection of Biblical truth. It allows for multitudes to live within it: many denominations find a home in the branches of this tree! Finally, it is satisfying as we engage life in it: A Trinitarian declaration of faith, a confession that centers on Jesus and his sacrifice, a teaching tool that imparts hope, not just facts.
For seventeen hundred years, this ancient structure has stood as guard, refuge and home for God’s People. This Christmas, as we prepare to worship the babe in the Manger, let us marvel that he is God come for us. And let us join with all the saints from all the generations in true worship of this One. O Come, Let us Adore Him!
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