Part One

• The first part begins with "I believe in one God" and recognizes the creator of the universe as God the Father. The phrase "things visible and invisible" shows awareness of both physical and spiritual realities.
  
  

Part Two

• The second part begins with "And in one Lord Jesus Christ" and then establishes Jesus, with attributes of God the Father, as the Son of God who came down from heaven and was made man. His death, resurrection, ascension into heaven and judgment of man in the last days are central to the hope of the Christian faith.
  
  

Part Three

• The third part begins with "And I believe in the Holy Ghost" who is the third member of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity is defined by Martin Luther as "The Triune God; Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three distinct Persons in one divine Being or Essence." The phrase in this part of the Nicene Creed -- "Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son" -- adds to the credibility of Jesus being a member of the Trinity.
  
  

Part Four

• The fourth and last part begins with "And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic church." The conclusion of the Nicene Creed includes aspects of Christian living: sufficiency of one baptism and the hope of life after death in heaven.
  
  

Importance of Creeds

• The inclusion of the Nicene Creed and other creeds in weekly Christian worship services contributes to the unity of faith in each congregation. Understanding the meaning of each word and phrase in a creed will helps worshippers live better Christian lives.