(Nicene Creed): One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church

Within the Nicene Creed there are many wonderful affirmations of the Christian faith. Many lines of prose where people affirm with gusto. Yet, one line remains influential and controversial. That line being “one holy catholic and apostolic Church.” Despite its controversy, in the proper context, one can embrace this line with excitement, too. 

The phrase “one holy catholic and apostolic Church” was added to the Nicene Creed during the 381 AD Council of Constantinople. There, in the words, the council included four essential elements that define the true Church founded by Jesus Christ. These historic “Four Marks” are not a 21st-century invention to determine a healthy church. Instead, they are profound adjectives that, when properly understood, unite all Christians throughout the ages.

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One

First, the Church is “one” because its source is one: the Holy Trinity, who transcends any human division. Remember, in John 17:21, during Jesus’ High Priestly prayer, he requested of God the Father that “they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you.” Theologically, then, Christians are in a right relationship with the Lord and with one another when we are unified and “one” through practical acts such as performing church sacraments together without angst within us. Doing so, Christians are reminded of the Body of Christ that remains throughout the ages, globally, and within our local contexts. 

Holy

Second, the Church is “holy” because its members recognize their sin and, through faith, choose to rest on the finished work of Jesus Christ. Looking to Jesus again, Ephesians 5:25-26 reminds us that He “loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her.” Our holiness then means that God sets Christians apart for his purposes. 

Christians, then, are renewed and strengthened through applying the Gospel to all of one’s life and through the sacraments. Since then, the Church is “holy” because of Christ’s finished work; individuals within the Church should have sufficient motivation towards holiness. A holiness that proves what one believes of Jesus is genuine, providing the light of Christ to a world in need of divine hope. 

Catholic

Next is the most controversial word within this phrase of this line and possibly the entire Nicene Creed. Controversy arises from misunderstanding the true definition of the word “catholic.” Note that “catholic” is not written in the uppercase often used to describe an institution. Instead, it’s written in lowercase because “catholic” here means “universal,”as the Greek word katholikos suggests, which is defined as “according to the whole.” 

Returning to the first word in this phrase, “one,” the intent of the word “catholic” includes the entire Body of Christ throughout all ages, all locations, and all people. As Matthew 28:19 says, it is for the Church to “make disciples of all nations.” Never did it intend for any institution to exclude those who were not part of its membership. Yet, there are boundaries necessary for any church to claim it is within Christ. 

Apostolic

Finally, any Christian church should hold to the fullness of the “apostolic” faith. Some argue “apostolic” succession is necessary; others do not. Here, the argument is that a church holds to the teachings of the apostles about Jesus found in the New Testament. Ephesians 2:20 reminds us that the Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” There, through Jesus, one finds everything necessary for salvation and obedience for “one” to be “holy” within the “universal” body of the “apostolic” faith. 

Affirming our faith in the “one holy catholic and apostolic Church” means we confess a flawed, visible church founded and healed by the Lord. Remember, He set the Church apart for his global and eternal purposes, conveying Christ’s hope of love and justice. Therefore, this line within the Nicene Creed is a mantra for unity, sanctity, universality, and truth.

Photo Credit Unsplash.com

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