Three Things Christians Should Understand about the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed

This article offers three thoughts on the implications of the Nicene Creed for faith and practice. The creed's central focus is the Trinitarian nature of God, its purpose was to give continuity to Christianity as it expanded, and it demonstrates the unity of thought in Christian practice from the earliest days to today.

The Law of God (II)

The First Commandment is the most important commandment, dealing with our acknowledgment of the one, true God. The LORD has revealed Himself as the one, only God, Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 96:4, 5. There are no other gods beside Him, Isaiah 45:5, 6. Therefore He does not permit His people to make any other gods, either in place of Him or alongside of Him. The universe and all that is in it belongs to Him, and is subject to Him

The Law of God (I)

The substance of the ten commandments was already given to Adam in paradise, and formed for him the demands of the covenant in which he was placed. Worship and thank-offering were also present in paradise; the sacrifice or offering for transgression appears after the fall. The essential demand of the law has always been faith, trust and obedience. The Lord confirms His gifts and promises in the way of faith.

Justification - Faith

The Ground of Justification: because of His complete obedience, Christ merits and receives a full reward: the salvation and sanctification of all His children. His obedience is both active and passive: He fulfils the just requirements of the law, and also takes upon Himself the penalty and punishment of the law. In this two-fold way He makes complete intercession for us, giving us access to God. Thus we say we are justified solely by Christ's blood. 

Redemption

The covenant has two parties, God and man. The LORD is faithful to His covenant, and must therefore execute His punishment upon man’s sin, Genesis 2:17. But the LORD, who is full of mercy, grace and kindness, opens and reveals a way of redemption for man in the covenant, Article 17, Belgic Confession. 

Creation and Providence

Creation involves calling into existence those things which do not exist. The LORD created the heavens and the earth out of nothing (ex nihilo). The motivation, cause and initial moment of creation can only be found in the eternal will and good pleasure of God. In His counsel and will, He created all worlds, (see the Nicene Creed), that is, the heavens above and the deepest seas. All things were created by the power of His Word, Hebrews 1:1,2.