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Colossians and the Nicene Creed

The influence of Colossians can be seen in the language of the Nicene Creed, recited regularly by many Christians as a summary of their faith.

• The Nicene Creed affirms that through Christ “all things were made,” including “heaven and earth” and “all that is, seen and unseen.” Compare Colossians: “In him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible” (1:16).
• The Nicene Creed identifies Christ as “true God of true God” and “of one Being with the Father.” Compare Colossians: Christ is “the image of the invisible God” (1:15) and the one in whom “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (1:19).
• The Nicene Creed says that Christ “became incarnate” and “became truly human.” Compare Colossians: Christ, who was “before all things” (1:17), took on a “fleshly body” (1:22) so that God could dwell in him “bodily” (2:9).
• The Nicene Creed affirms that Christ was raised from the dead and that he ascended into heaven, where he is “seated at the right hand of the Father.” Compare Colossians: Christ has been raised and is “seated at the right hand of God” (3:1).
• The Nicene Creed affirms that Christ “will come again in glory.” Compare Colossians: Christ will be revealed “in glory” (3:4).