For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.
James 2:26
Today we wrap up our discussion on the Creed. Our statement of faith cannot just be words on paper. What we believe has to translate into action. What we believe has to become who we are and what we do. So that the Creed is not only “I believe” but “I do.” “I do” based on no belief doesn’t lead to everlasting life. Neither does “I believe” with no “I do.” There has to be both.
The Scriptures are clear that our salvation is based on a combination of faith, works and grace. Faith is what we believe. The Creed is the faith part of the equation. However, faith is not enough on its own. Faith without works is dead faith. Works are how we manifest our faith. If we have works but have no faith, then the works become an end unto themselves, and become almost narcissistic in nature. Work that is not done for the glory of God is ultimately done for the glory of self. So works without faith is also dead. No matter how much we believe or how much we do, there are still going to be empty spaces in all of us. None of us is perfect. We are all broken to some degree. The Grace of the Holy Spirit, as we have reflected, is what fills the empty spaces and makes us complete.
Let’s go back to faith without works for a moment. Let’s say a person is asked “Do you believe that exercise is important to overall health?” And the person answers “Yes.” The next question would then be “Do you exercise?” Now, if the answer to this second question, do you exercise, is “no,” what the person is saying, in essence, is one of two things: Either “I am a hypocrite” or “I am an exception.” Either, I believe one thing but do another (hypocrite), or I believe something applies to everyone but me (exception). The thing is there are no exceptions—we either live healthy or die prematurely.
Complete this sentence: I believe in God and so I_________.
Some possible answers could include “do nothing,” “serve others occasionally,” “live for Him at all times,” etc. Take a moment and really consider your answer, maybe even write a few thoughts down for your answer. We can’t believe in God and do nothing, because faith requires action or it isn’t really faith. We can’t believe in God and do something only occasionally.
Years ago, the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team had a slogan “ALL IN” plastered all over town on billboards. It was a marketing campaign that told us two things—that ownership was all in on improving the team (and boy did they!) and that they wanted us to go all in as fans on supporting them and coming out to games. Imagine if the sign had said “Tampa Bay Lighting—We’re ½ In!” No one would have taken them seriously. Faith is an “All In” proposition. We either believe or we don’t. There is no “somewhat believe” category. And same goes for how the faith affects our lives. Either faith translates into action or it doesn’t.
There is no question that the faith of Nicaea, put into words in the Nicene Creed, and passed down to this day by Orthodox Christians, is the fullest expression of the Christian faith. There is also no question that as a body, Orthodox Christians can and must do a better job of living out that faith. We have the faith, we need more action—more service to others, more generosity, more honoring of Christ in our communities, in our homes, and in our individual actions.
As we mark the 1,700 year anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325, and celebrate the Nicene Creed that issued forth from it, let us recommit ourselves to understanding what we believe, and let that guide us in how we behave. Let it be our guide today and always. For the Creed is not mere words on paper, nor is it something to be celebrated. It is something which defines who we are and what we do.
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father, through Whom all things were made.
Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried.
And He rose on the third day according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead.
His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church,
I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead,
And the life of the age to come. Amen
To Him be the glory and the dominion to the ages of ages. Amen.
