The line “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages” from the Nicene Creed tackles two key aspects of Jesus’ nature and elaborates on his relationship with God the Father:
- Eternal Sonship: Jesus isn’t a created being, but the Son of God who has always existed alongside the Father.
- Scriptural references:
- Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (This verse, though debated in interpretation, suggests Jesus’ pre-existence)
- John 1:1-2: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” (This passage explicitly states Jesus’ pre-incarnate existence as the Word)
- Birth before all ages: This clarifies that Jesus’ Sonship isn’t a metaphorical concept but a reality with no beginning in time.
- Theological Background:
This line combats heresies like Arianism, which claimed Jesus was a subordinate created being. By emphasizing Jesus’ “birth before all ages,” the Creed affirms his eternal existence as the Son, one in essence with the Father.
- Church Council References:
The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) specifically addressed the Arian controversy. The Creed’s wording directly refutes Arianism by establishing Jesus’ co-eternality with the Father.
Additional Points:
- “Born of the Father” emphasizes the unique relationship within the Trinity. Jesus isn’t “made” like creation, but eternally begotten by the Father.
- “Before all ages” clarifies that Jesus’ Sonship isn’t tied to his earthly birth, but precedes all creation.
In essence, this line declares Jesus’ eternal existence as the Son of God, co-existing with the Father from before time itself.
Reflection
The linw “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.” These words, resonating with the power of eternity, invite us to contemplate the profound mystery of Jesus’ divine Sonship and his intimate relationship with the Father. They call us to move beyond a merely intellectual understanding of Jesus and enter into a deeper, more personal relationship with him as the eternal Son of God.
Imagine a bond of love so profound, so intimate, that it transcends time and space. This is the relationship between the Father and the Son, a relationship that existed “before all ages,” before the creation of the universe, before the dawn of time itself. Jesus, the Only Begotten Son, is not a created being, but eternally begotten of the Father, sharing in his divine nature and glory.
This truth shatters any notion of Jesus as merely a great teacher or prophet. He is not simply a man who lived and died; he is the eternal Word, the image of the invisible God, through whom all things were made. He is the radiance of the Father’s glory, the exact representation of his being.
As we reflect on this profound mystery, we are invited to draw closer to the heart of the Trinity. We see the Father’s infinite love poured out in the eternal begetting of the Son. We encounter the Son’s perfect obedience and love for the Father, expressed in his willingness to become incarnate and redeem humanity. And we experience the Holy Spirit, the bond of love between the Father and the Son, drawing us into this divine embrace.
This understanding of Jesus transforms our relationship with him. We no longer see him as a distant figure from the past, but as the eternal Son, ever-present and active in our lives. We approach him with reverence and awe, recognizing his divinity and his power to save.
We also approach him with intimacy and love, knowing that he is our brother, who shares in our humanity and understands our struggles. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, the compassionate friend who walks with us through every valley.
Every moment becomes an opportunity to encounter the Trinity in a new way. In the beauty of creation, we see the Father’s handiwork, reflecting the glory of his Son. In acts of love and service, we participate in the Son’s ongoing ministry of compassion and redemption. In moments of quiet prayer and contemplation, we open ourselves to the Spirit’s guidance, drawing us closer to the heart of the Father and the Son.
The Nicene Creed invites us to embrace the mystery of Jesus’ eternal Sonship, to marvel at his divine nature, and to deepen our relationship with him as the one Lord, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. As we do so, we enter into the fullness of life in the Trinity, experiencing the love, joy, and peace that flow from the heart of God.
Discussion Questions For Prayer and Reflection
Personal Reflection:
- Eternal Wonder: Take a moment to ponder the concept of “before all ages.” What does it mean to you that Jesus existed before time itself? How does this knowledge evoke awe and wonder in your heart?
- Beyond Human Understanding: The Trinity is a mystery that surpasses human comprehension. How does embracing this mystery deepen your faith rather than diminish it? How does it challenge you to rely on God’s revelation rather than solely on human logic?
- Intimacy with the Eternal Son: How does knowing Jesus as the eternal Son, existing in intimate relationship with the Father before creation, affect your personal relationship with Him? How does it shape your prayers and your understanding of His love for you?
Understanding the Trinity:
- The Father’s Begetting: Reflect on the unique language of “Only Begotten Son.” What does this reveal about the Father’s love and the special relationship between the Father and the Son?
- The Son’s Eternal Nature: How does the affirmation of Jesus’ eternal Sonship challenge any limited or purely human understanding of who Jesus is? How does it elevate your view of His authority and power?
- The Spirit’s Connection: How does the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son point to the role of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity? How does the Spirit unite the Father and the Son and draw us into their love?
Living the Creed:
- Combating Falsehood: The Nicene Creed was formulated to combat heresies. How does a firm understanding of Jesus’ eternal Sonship protect you from false teachings about His nature and identity?
- Worship and Adoration: How does the truth of Jesus’ eternal existence and divine nature inspire your worship and adoration of Him? How does it shape your understanding of His role in salvation?
- Sharing the Wonder: How can you share the awe-inspiring truth of Jesus’ eternal Sonship with others in a way that invites them to deeper faith and a closer relationship with Him?
- Living in Light of Eternity: How does the knowledge of Jesus’ eternal existence impact your perspective on life, death, and the world to come? How does it shape your priorities and your choices?
Bonus Question: How does meditating on the eternal nature of Jesus affect your understanding of His incarnation and His willingness to become human for our salvation?
By engaging with these questions, individuals and groups can delve into the profound implications of Jesus’ eternal Sonship, deepen their faith in the Nicene Creed, and cultivate a more intimate relationship with the Triune God.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post