Topic: The Council of Nicaea (325AD) – the 1700th anniversary of a pivotal stand for gospel truth

Instructor: Rob Harrod (Grace Baptist Church)
Hosted by: Grace Baptist Church

As Sinclair Ferguson writes, “The 4th century was one of the most significant periods in the first 1500 years of the church’s existence… a number of events took place that set the trajectory of the church into the future.”

Prominent among these was the Council of Nicaea, which officially (but not finally) settled a bitter debate over the divinity of Christ by affirming the Scriptures’ clear testimony to his full deity (John 1:1-3,14, 18; Colossians 1:15-18, Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:1-3; Matthew 28:19-20). It is a wonderful testimony to the grace and providence of God that this council of church leaders, called together by the Roman emperor Constantine, and battling the influence of Arianism which had gained a foothold in many places before and after Nicaea, produced such a biblically faithful and influential statement as the Nicene Creed and its subsequent creedal expressions clarifications in 381 AD (Constantinople), in 451 AD (Chalcedon) and in 589 AD (Toledo).

We will examine the fascinating history, background and influence of this Council its famous Creed and look at some of the key figures involved – men like Arius, Athanasius, and Constantine. As we do so we will see the nature and cost of biblical faithfulness; and be reminded of the need to proclaim and protect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.