"And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages: Light from Light, true God from true God."
The second article of the Creed tells us about the most important thing - about Jesus Christ. Not just a prophet, not a philosopher, not a good man, but the only Lord, the Son of God, the Only Begotten. This means that He is not a creature, not an angel, but God, who has the same nature as God the Father.
This article uses many images and theological formulas that actually explain a very simple truth: Christ is true God. He exists eternally, because he was “born of the Father before all ages.” This is not a birth in time, but an eternal birth, that is, the Son of God has always existed with the Father.
Therefore, the Church teaches: Christ was not created. He is “begotten, uncreated.” This means that His origin is not like that of creatures. God creates the external world—“ad extra.” But the Son comes from within the Godhead itself, as light comes from light, as word comes from thought.
So we read:
"Light from Light",
"The true God from the true God."
These images help us understand: Christ has everything that the Father has, because they are of the same divine nature. And when the Church says that Christ is consubstantial with the Father, this means: He is the same God, not inferior, not different.
In ancient times there were many false teachings. Some said that Jesus was only a man, others that He was a lesser God. That is why the Ecumenical Councils (especially the First in Nicaea in 325) clearly and confidently declared:
Christ is the true God.
And another important truth:
"through Him all things were made."
This means that Jesus is not only the Savior, but also the Creator.
He is the Word through whom God created the world.
He was at the beginning of everything—and will be at the end.
He created us—and came to save us.
That is why this article of faith is the foundation of all Christianity. If Christ is not God, then there can be no true salvation. But if He is true God and true Man, then our whole life has meaning.
2nd Article of the Creed
"And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages: Light from Light, true God from true God."
The second article of the Creed speaks to the very heart of the Christian faith — Jesus Christ. Not just a prophet, philosopher, or good man, but the one Lord, the Son of God, the Only-Begotten. This means He is not a creature, not an angel, but God Himself, sharing the same divine nature as the Father.
This section contains several phrases and theological expressions, all aiming to explain one clear truth:
Christ is truly God.
He has existed eternally, because He is "begotten of the Father before all ages."
This is not a moment in time — it is eternal begetting, meaning the Son has always existed with the Father.
Therefore, the Church teaches:
Christ was not created.
He is “begotten, not made.”
His origin is not like ours — not a product of creation.
The Father creates the world outside Himself — ad extra.
But the Son comes from within the divine being — as light from light, as thought gives rise to word.
So we say:
“Light from Light,”
“True God from true God.”
These phrases help us understand that Christ has everything the Father has, because they are of one divine essence.
When the Church says Christ is "consubstantial with the Father," it means: He is the same God, not lesser, not separate.
In the early Church, there were many errors. Some said Jesus was just a man. Others claimed He was a lesser god. That's why the Ecumenical Councils — especially the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) — boldly declared:
Christ is true God.
And one more key truth:
"Through Him all things were made."
This means Jesus is not only our Savior — He is also our Creator.
He is the Word through whom the Father made the world.
He was there in the beginning — and He will be there at the end.
He made us — and came to save us.
This is why the second article of the Creed is the foundation of Christianity.
If Christ is not God, then salvation is not real.
But if He is truly God and truly Man, then our lives have purpose — and eternal hope.
