The three Lutheran creeds are known as the Nicene Creed, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. These creeds hold a significant place in Lutheran tradition and are considered essential statements of faith. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
1. Nicene Creed: The Nicene Creed is one of the most widely accepted creeds in Christianity and has its origins in the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. It was later revised and finalized at the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD. The Nicene Creed affirms the belief in the Holy Trinity, stating that God is one being in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. It also emphasizes the divinity of Jesus Christ and his role in salvation. The creed is a concise yet powerful affirmation of the core beliefs of Christianity.
2. Apostles’ Creed: The Apostles’ Creed is an ancient statement of faith that traces its origins back to the early Christian church. Though it is named after the apostles, it is unlikely that they were the actual authors. Instead, it is believed to have developed gradually over time as a summary of the apostolic teachings. The creed is divided into three sections, each corresponding to one of the persons of the Trinity: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. It covers essential Christian beliefs such as the virgin birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, as well as the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life.
3. Athanasian Creed: The Athanasian Creed is unique among the three Lutheran creeds in that it focuses specifically on the doctrine of the Trinity and the nature of Christ. It is named after Athanasius, a prominent theologian of the 4th century who vehemently defended the divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy. The creed is longer and more detailed compared to the other two creeds, and it is less widely known and recited. It lays out the orthodox understanding of the Trinity, affirming that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-eternal, co-equal, and of the same substance. The creed also emphasizes the belief in the incarnation of Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully human.
In Lutheran tradition, these three creeds hold a central place as they express the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. They are often recited in worship services and are seen as authoritative statements of doctrinal unity. While the creeds originated in specific historical contexts, they continue to be relevant and meaningful for believers today, serving as a guide for understanding and confessing the Christian faith.