Welcome to the Ongoing Sovereignty Theology Podcast. I’m your host, Michael Mathis, and this is a journey into the heart of Christian theology, where the past meets the now, and the debates of old reveal the ongoing sovereignty of God. Our mission is to wrestle with how God’s existence unfolds in the present moment, but today, we set that aside as we tackle something far more important, the deity of Christ.









Using the research and creative power of AI, we will do our best to relive a story that is all but erased from History books. The Council of Nicaea, in the year three hundred twenty five AD, a gathering that shook the church, shaped the faith, and birthed the Nicene Creed. This clash, over a month-long full of conviction, scripture, and power yet painstakingly slow with translations. Expect no polished rules here just raw, human voices wrestling with eternity. We start with Part 1: The Gathering Storm, where the stage is set, the players emerge, and a crisis brews that only Nicaea could face. Let’s go back to the 4th century and see how it all began.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



It’s the early 4th century, and the Roman Empire is a sprawling giant stretching from Britain to Egypt, a mosaic of cultures under one ruler: Constantine. Just a decade ago, in 313, he signed the Edict of Milan, ending centuries of persecution for Christians. The cross, once a symbol of shame, now glimmers in the sun as churches rise from the shadows. Constantine’s victory over Licinius in 324 has made him sole emperor, and he dreams of an empire united not just by roads and legions, but by one faith. Christianity is spreading fast, its message of a risen Savior captivating slaves and senators alike. But beneath this growth, a crack is forming a theological rift that threatens to split the church and, with it, Constantine’s vision.



In Alexandria, Egypt a bustling hub of learning and faith a priest named Arius steps into the spotlight. He’s tall, sharp-eyed, with a voice that carries over crowds. Around 318, he begins teaching something radical: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is not eternal like the Father. “There was a time when He was not,” Arius declares, leaning on Proverbs: “The Lord created me at the beginning of His work.” To Arius, it’s simple logic the Father alone is unbegotten, the source of all; the Son is begotten, the first of creation, exalted but not equal. His words spread like wildfire, winning followers who see monotheism preserved in his view no risk of two Gods here.



Arius – Founder of Arianism Heresy



Brothers, sisters, hear me: the Father is supreme, timeless, alone without beginning. The Son is His creation mighty, yes, the firstborn through whom all else was made, as Colossians says. But to call Him eternal alongside the Father? That’s to blur the truth, to make a second God. I speak for clarity, for the one true Sovereign.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



Arius’ teaching isn’t just a sermon it’s a spark. Across Alexandria, congregations hum with debate. Some nod in agreement, drawn to his reasoning; others recoil, sensing danger. Enter Bishop Alexander, the shepherd of Alexandria’s church. He’s older, weathered, with a quiet authority rooted in the apostles’ tradition. To him, Arius’ words aren’t just novel they’re heresy. If the Son isn’t fully divine, eternal with the Father, what becomes of salvation? Alexander calls a synod in 321, and over a hundred bishops gather. Arius defends his case, but the verdict lands hard: excommunication. He’s cast out, branded a false teacher.



But Arius doesn’t fade. He flees to Nicomedia, finding an ally in Bishop Eusebius a powerful figure with the emperor’s ear. Letters fly between them, and Arius writes, “We are persecuted because we say the Son has a beginning, but God is without beginning.” His ideas spread further Antioch, Jerusalem, the eastern provinces. Songs praising the created Son echo in marketplaces, and riots flare as believers clash. Alexander fires back, sending warnings to bishops empire-wide: this is no small error; it strikes at Christ’s very nature.



Athanasius – Deacon to Bishop Alexander



I am Athanasius, deacon to Bishop Alexander, and I say this with a heavy heart: Arius’ teaching dims the light of our Savior. Scripture sings, “In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, the Word was God, and the Word became flesh.” If the Son is a creature, how can He bridge us to the Father? He must be eternal, divine, or our hope is dust. I stand with my bishop we must guard the faith.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



Athanasius is young barely thirty, sharp-minded, and fierce in his loyalty to Alexander. He’s not at the forefront yet, but his voice is rising, a preview of the champion he’ll become. By 324, the empire feels the strain. Bishops take sides, councils splinter, and Constantine’s dream of unity wavers. He’s no theologian, but he knows division breeds weakness. From his court, he hears of riots in Alexandria, schisms in the east, and a church tearing itself apart over the Son. He summons Eusebius of Caesarea, a historian and bishop, to explain the chaos.



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



Emperor, I’ve seen it myself Arius’ words stir the masses, while Alexander’s men call it blasphemy. The church is a house divided, and your empire suffers with it. They argue over the Son’s nature created or eternal. It’s beyond my judgment, but it must be settled.



This cannot stand. I’ve fought for one empire, one God, one peace. If the church fractures, my work unravels. Let the bishops gather all of them. We’ll meet at Nicaea, where the air is clear and the palace stands ready. They’ll speak, they’ll reason, and we’ll find a truth to bind us. Send the word to gather, this spring three hundred twenty five AD. This ends.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



Constantine’s call goes out: an ecumenical council, the first of its kind. Nearly 1,800 bishops are invited, from Britain to Persia, though tradition will later tally 318 a number echoing Abraham’s servants, a symbol of God’s covenant. They’ll converge on Nicaea, a quiet city in Bithynia, modern-day Turkey, with an imperial palace and a view of the lake. It’s May three hundred twenty five AD, and the stage is set. Arius, unbowed, prepares to defend his vision. Athanasius, at Alexander’s side, sharpens his arguments. Constantine, draped in purple, seeks a creed to heal his realm. The storm is gathering, and what happens next will echo for centuries.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



It’s spring in Bithynia, modern-day Turkey, and the city of Nicaea hums with anticipation. The imperial palace, perched near a shimmering lake, opens its doors. Bishops stream in over 300, though some say 318, a number heavy with biblical echo. They’ve traveled from every corner of the empire: Rome’s western hills, Persia’s eastern plains, the sun-scorched sands of Egypt. Some bear scars from persecution under Diocletian, their eyes hollow but resolute. Others, younger, clutch scrolls of scripture, ready to argue. The air smells of dust and incense as they gather in a vast hall marble floors, high ceilings, and a throne of gold at the center, waiting for Constantine.



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



I, Eusebius of Caesarea, stand among them, my pen ready to record. The sight is unlike any I’ve seen bishops in rough robes, some limping, others whispering prayers. The hall buzzes with Greek, Latin, a dozen tongues. They eye each other warily word of Arius’ ideas has spread, and loyalties are unclear. Then, silence falls. The doors swing wide, and he enters.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



Constantine steps in, and the room holds its breath. He’s not the warrior of Milvian Bridge now, but an emperor in splendor purple robes, a diadem glinting, his presence a mix of power and purpose. He’s no bishop, yet he’s called this council, the first of its kind, to heal a church he sees as the empire’s soul. He takes the throne, and after a moment, he rises to speak, his Latin translated into Greek for the crowd.



Constantine the Great – Roman Emperor



Bishops of the church, servants of the God I’ve come to know, I greet you in peace. You are the pillars of this faith, and I’ve brought you here to mend what’s broken. Division plagues us riots in the streets, brothers against brothers, all over the Son of God. I am no scholar of your sacred texts, but I know this: an empire divided falls, and a church divided weakens us all. Speak your hearts, weigh your words, and find a truth we can stand on together. This council begins now not for my glory, but for the one God’s. Let us reason as one.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The bishops murmur, some nodding, others tense. Constantine sits, signaling the floor is open. Eyes turn to Arius tall, composed, his exile from Alexandria a badge of defiance. He’s been invited back, his voice demanded by supporters like Eusebius of Nicomedia, who sits nearby, watching keenly. Arius steps forward, his tone steady and earnest, weaving scripture into a reasoned plea.



Arius – Founder of Arianism Heresy



Emperor, honored fathers, I stand to exalt the Father’s singular eternity, the one unbegotten God. The Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, is begotten His glory vast, the firstborn of all creation, as Colossians declares. Proverbs sings, “The Lord created me at the beginning of His work” there was a time when He was not, for only the Father is timeless. The Son Himself said, “The Father is greater than I,” a mark of His service, not shame. He is the Father’s mighty hand, crafting all things under His will, yet distinct preserving one God, not two. This is truth, offered in reverence.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



A ripple runs through the hall. Some bishops lean forward, nodding at Arius’ logic monotheism upheld, the Father supreme, the Son a noble agent. Others shift uneasily, sensing a fracture. Near the front, Bishop Alexander of Alexandria sits, his face stern, flanked by his deacon, Athanasius. The young man’s eyes burn with quiet fire, and as Arius steps back, Alexander nods to him. Athanasius rises, his voice clear and measured, rich with scripture’s promise, a glimpse of the fight ahead.



Athanasius – Deacon to Bishop Alexander



Emperor, brothers, I speak with love for this church and awe for our Savior, grieved by words that dim His light. Arius calls Him created, but hear the Word: “In the beginning was the Word, with God and was God” eternal, not made, becoming flesh to dwell among us. All things exist by Him, for Him, through Him the Father the Architect, the Son the Builder, together crafting the cosmos. He claimed, “I AM,” and for this the Jews sought His cross, seeing God in His words. His divinity is our salvation, not a rival to the Father’s glory. I stand with my bishop let us seek this truth with care.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The hall stirs gasps, murmurs, a few sharp nods. Athanasius’ words ripple outward his nod to Christ’s crucifixion claim sparking whispers, his vision of Father and Son in unity drawing eyes. A bishop from Syria mutters support for Arius, citing the Son’s prayers as proof of rank. Another from Gaul counters, “The Word was God!” The air thickens with tension, scripture clashing like flint hints of deeper battles brewing. No one calls for order; this is Nicaea’s way raw, open, a chorus of conviction unfolding over days.



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



I note it all the emperor’s calm, Arius’ steady case, Athanasius’ fervent plea. The bishops are a sea of voices, some bold, some cautious. Arius builds a wall of reason, the Father alone eternal; Athanasius plants a seed, scripture’s depth shining. Days stretch ahead, for this is no quick council. The question looms: who is the Son? The answer will shape us all.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



And so it begins, the Council of Nicaea opens its doors, and the debate takes root. Constantine seeks unity, not haste, letting the bishops speak as the month unfolds. Arius has laid a reasoned claim, Athanasius a passionate defense both teasing greater arguments and the hall is alive with the stakes: the nature of Christ, the soul of the church, the strength of an empire.



We’re days into the Council of Nicaea, a furnace of debate, Constantine watching as over 300 bishops lean into the fray. Arius and Athanasius stand poised, their opening shots from last time now a full clash. Scripture rings out, and the Son’s nature teeters created or eternal? Let’s dive in.



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



I, Eusebius of Caesarea, bear witness Arius rises with his allies’ strength, Athanasius with Alexander’s fire. The hall holds its breath as the Word unfolds.



Arius – Founder of Arianism Heresy



Emperor, fathers of the church, I stand for the one eternal God, the Father alone unbegotten, whose glory none can share. Proverbs 8:22 speaks clear and true: “The Lord created me at the beginning of His work, the first of His acts of old.” This is the Son wisdom personified, the Father’s first creation, begotten before time yet not timeless. Colossians 1:15 names Him “the firstborn of all creation” a title of honor, yes, but proof He has a start. The Father is the source; the Son His mighty hand, shaping all things under His will. Hear the Son Himself in John 14:28: “The Father is greater than I.” If He were equal, why this humble truth? In Gethsemane, He prays, “Not my will, but Yours be done” submission, not sovereignty. To call Him eternal risks two Gods; I give you one, with a Son worthy of worship, yet distinct in His beginning.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The hall stirs some bishops nod, captivated by Arius’ steady logic: the Father supreme, the Son a noble creation. Whispers ripple: “One God, preserved!” But Athanasius rises, his voice a clarion, rich with scripture and a fire that draws every eye.



Athanasius – Deacon to Bishop Alexander



Emperor, brothers, I speak with love for our Savior and grief for this church, for Arius dims the light of our hope. He leans on Proverbs 8:22, but that’s wisdom’s poetry, not the Son’s essence Scripture unveils Him in John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, with God and was God.” Not created, but eternal ever with the Father, ever divine. Verse 3 declares, “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.” If He’s a creature, how does He hold creation’s reins? Colossians’ “firstborn” is preeminence, not birth He reigns over all, not from it. And hear Him in John 8:58: “Before Abraham was, I AM” the Father’s name on His lips, the claim that drove the Jews to cry blasphemy and nail Him to the cross. Only God redeems; His divinity is our salvation, one with the Father, not beneath Him.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



A hush falls, then a surge some shout, “Athanasius speaks truth!” while others mutter, “Arius stands firm!” Arius steps forward again, his tone unshaken, meeting the challenge head-on.



Arius – Founder of Arianism Heresy



Athanasius weaves a tale, but John 1:1 says “with God” a distinction, not identity. “Was God” reflects His purpose, not His being; “He became flesh” marks a beginning in time eternal things don’t change. Proverbs 8:22 isn’t poetry it’s plain: “created me” means made, not timeless. The Son’s “I AM” honors the Father who sent Him John 14:28 holds: “The Father is greater.” His cross was obedience, not proof of Godhood submission crowns Him worthy, not equal.



Athanasius – Deacon to Bishop Alexander



Arius, you see shadows where light shines “with God” is unity, not distance; “was God” His nature from everlasting. “Became flesh” is His mercy, not His origin the Word was always God, stepping into time for us. Proverbs bows to John 1:3 all creation flows through Him, no start in sight. “I AM” isn’t homage; it’s divinity John 10:30 seals it: “I and the Father are one.” The cross demands a God to atone, not a servant to obey.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The hall explodes cheers and jeers collide, bishops gripped by the duel. Constantine steadies the storm, his presence a quiet anchor as scripture bends and blazes.



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



Arius builds with reason, Athanasius burns with revelation Proverbs, John, Colossians twist in their hands. The council’s soul is bare, and the fight deepens.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



Nicaea’s debate rages Arius and Athanasius clash, each verse a hammer, forging conviction.



Weeks deep in the Council of Nicaea, the palace hall hums with strain, Constantine’s gaze steady as the debate over the Son’s nature sharpens. Arius and Athanasius stand locked, their clash from last time now digging into new ground. Scripture flares, and the bishops teeter. This is Part 4: The Theological Battle – Part 2 where the Word cuts deeper.



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



I, Eusebius of Caesarea, record this Arius presses on with his allies’ calm, Athanasius rises with Alexander’s fire. The hall sways as scripture unfolds.



Arius – Founder of Arianism Heresy



Emperor, fathers, I defend the Father’s sole eternity, unbegotten and supreme. The Son is His creation, mighty yet distinct. Genesis 1:26 “Let us make man in our image” is the Father’s voice to His Son, His first work, not His rival. John 17:3 stands clear: “You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You sent” one eternal, one commissioned. Hebrews 1:3 names Him “the radiance of His glory, the exact imprint of His nature” a reflection shaped by the Father, not the source itself. He prays, “Father, glorify me” a plea from a servant, not a claim of eternity. This is one God, with a Son exalted through obedience.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



Some bishops nod, drawn to Arius’ ordered logic one God, the Son His agent. Whispers hum: “The Father alone!” But Athanasius steps up, his voice steady and rich, scripture flowing like a river, piercing the haze with unshakable truth.



Athanasius – Deacon to Bishop Alexander



Emperor, brothers, I speak with love for our Savior and sorrow for Arius’ shadow on His glory. Genesis 1:26 “Let us make man” is no command to a creature, but the Father and Son in eternal accord, crafting as one will. John 17:3 doesn’t divide it reveals the Father through the Son, who is God with Him, as John 1:1 sings: “The Word was with God and was God.” Hebrews’ “radiance” isn’t a mere echo it’s the Father’s essence blazing in the Son, ever divine. Philippians 2:6-7 unveils it: “Being in very nature God, He did not grasp equality, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” And hear this, Arius He accepted worship, as in Matthew 28:17, when the disciples bowed and none were rebuked. If He’s not God, this breaks the commandment “You shall have no other gods” yet He receives it as His due. He prays as man to lead us; His “I AM” in John 8:58 claims the Father’s timeless name, proven by the cross where only God could atone. This is our hope, not a crafted thing.



Arius – Founder of Arianism Heresy



Athanasius twists again Genesis’ “us” is the Father’s counsel with His begotten Son, not a peer. John 17:3 names the Father “only true God” the Son’s role is sent, not shared. Philippians’ “nature God” bends to “servant” He emptied divinity for flesh. Worship honors His exaltation, as Hebrews 1:6 says, “Let all God’s angels worship Him” a gift from the Father, not His essence. His “I AM” reflects the Father’s mission, not eternity.



Athanasius – Deacon to Bishop Alexander



Arius, your ground crumbles Genesis’ “us” is divine unity, John 1:3 confirms: “All things were made through Him” no creature bears that weight. John 17:3 joins Father and Son in truth “I and the Father are one,” John 10:30, one being, not just will. Philippians shows He was God before emptying servanthood His choice, divinity His root. Worship isn’t gifted to creations Exodus 20:5 forbids it yet Christ accepts it, uncondemned, because He is God. “I AM” isn’t homage the Jews saw divinity and struck; only the eternal saves. Your servant fades; scripture holds Him high.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The hall stirs cries of “Athanasius shines!” rise over murmurs of “Arius yet fights!” Bishops shift, some gripped by Athanasius’ clarity, others wrestling with Arius’ stubborn hold, its seams straining.



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



Arius stands firm, his reason sharp; Athanasius weaves scripture tight, his truth piercing. The bishops murmur weeks on, and a swell builds, subtle but sure.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



Nicaea’s debate surges Arius clings to logic, but Athanasius’ truth cuts deep, Genesis to Matthew forging the Son’s eternity. The council senses it a creed stirs faintly.



June of the year three hundred twenty five, the Council of Nicaea drags into its second month the palace hall a restless churn, over 300 bishops worn from weeks of debate. Arius holds his ground, Athanasius presses forward, but now Constantine stirs, his patience thinning.



Politics and Power where empire meets eternity, and a reckoning looms.



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



I, Eusebius of Caesarea, see the tide Arius and his allies cling to reason, Athanasius and Alexander wield scripture’s fire. The bishops tire, and Constantine rises, his will a gathering storm.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The air is thick bishops murmur, scrolls litter the floor, and Constantine stands, his purple robes a stark contrast to the dusty crowd. He’s heard Arius’ created Son, Athanasius’ eternal Word, but riots still echo in his cities. Unity slips, and he’s done waiting. His voice cutting the chaos.



Constantine the Great – Roman Emperor



Bishops, I summoned you for peace, not this endless fray. Your words divide my empire streets burn, and I’ll have no more. Arius, your Son splits us; Athanasius, yours binds. I care not for your scrolls’ dust I want a faith to stand. Speak your last, for a creed must rise. The empire commands it.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



A chill runs through exile’s shadow falls, favor glints for the loyal. Arius steps up, his voice calm but firm, offering one last stand.



Arius – Founder of Arianism Heresy



Emperor, I seek truth, not strife. The Father alone is eternal John 17:3: “You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You sent.” Hebrews 1:3 calls Him “the radiance of His glory” cast by the Father, not equal. He’s the firstborn, obedient, exalted not a second God to tear our faith.



Athanasius – Deacon to Bishop Alexander



Emperor, brothers, I rise with love for our Savior and a plea for His truth Arius’ shadow fades before prophecy’s light. The Messiah must be more than man sinless, the Great High Priest, as Hebrews 7:26 says: “Holy, blameless, set apart from sinners.” No man born of earth is sinless only God is pure. Isaiah 7:14 promised, “A virgin shall bear a Son, Immanuel God with us.” He existed before Abraham John 8:58: “I AM” eternal, not made. Philippians 2:7 reveals Him: “He humbled Himself, taking the form of a man” God descending, not man rising. He’s the Mediator, 1 Timothy 2:5, bridging God and man because He is both fully God, fully man. Worship bows to Him, Matthew 28:17, unrebuked only God bears that right. Arius gives a servant; scripture crowns the King who saves.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The hall stills bishops catch their breath, Athanasius’ words a thunderclap. Some whisper, “The Messiah stands!” while others shift, Arius’ allies faltering. Eusebius of Nicomedia rises, his tone smooth, grasping at sway.



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



Emperor, Arius offers unity one God, the Son His sent glory. John 5:26: “The Father granted the Son life” is honor, not essence. Can not the creed hold both?



Constantine the Great – Roman Emperor



No more of this! Your desire for “both” breeds schism. I see it now, Athanasius’ God-man heals; Arius’ servant stumbles to the test of Scripture. Forge a creed, bishops, one substance, one truth. I’ll have it sealed.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The hall trembles bishops nod, some reluctant, as Constantine’s will locks in. Athanasius’ vision swells; Arius’ cracks widen under prophecy’s weight.



Constantine turns the wheel Athanasius’ fire holds, Arius’ reason bends. The bishops bow to power, and a creed takes root.



Nicaea shifts, at the end of June, politics fuse with faith. Athanasius’ Messiah rises, Constantine demands, and the council pivots.



July three hundred twenty-five AD dawns at Nicaea. The palace hall pulses after months of debate, Constantine’s demand for unity hanging heavy. Athanasius’ eternal Christ has swayed many, Arius’ created Son clings on. Now, a creed must rise. Forging the Creed where Nicaea’s soul is etched in words.



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



I, Eusebius of Caesarea, watch it unfold as Constantine’s will looms, Athanasius presses, Arius and his idea of a savior who is not God, must be set aside. The bishops gather, and a creed is born.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



Over 300 bishops fill the hall, scrolls clutched tight, the air thick with ink and sweat. Constantine stands, his voice a clear with authority after weeks of patience.



Constantine the Great – Roman Emperor



Bishops, I’ve heard your clash division, and Scripture had made it’s resolve, it tear apart my empire. No more! We forge a creed today one faith, one Christ. Speak, then sign.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



A draft emerges: “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of all… and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father, of one substance homoousios with the Father, begotten, not made…” Athanasius steps forward, his voice steady, carrying the creed’s weight.



Athanasius – Deacon to Bishop Alexander



Emperor, brothers, this creed is our Savior’s truth John 1:1: “The Word was with God and was God,” eternal, not crafted. Colossians 1:16: “By Him all things were created” no creature wields that power. Hebrews 7:26: “Holy, blameless, set apart” sinless, as only God can be. Matthew 28:17: “They worshipped Him” no blasphemy, for He is divine. Homoousios seals it one essence with the Father, the Messiah who redeems us whole.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The hall stirs bishops nod, gripped by the creed’s clarity: “Begotten, not made, of one substance…” But Arius rises, his tone sharp, challenging the core.



Arius – Founder of Arianism Heresy



Emperor, this homoousios twists scripture John 17:3: “You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You sent” the Father alone eternal. Proverbs 8:22: “The Lord created me” begotten means made. John 5:26: “The Father granted Him life” distinct, not one. This creed crowns two Gods; I keep the Father’s throne.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



Tension spikes Eusebius of Nicomedia leaps up, offering a dodge.



eusebius of Nicomedia suggests to the Emperor,



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



homoiousios similar substance holds unity without this leap.



No John 10:30: “I and the Father are one” one essence, not mere likeness. The creed stands firm.



Constantine the Great – Roman Emperor



Homoousios it is one substance, one Christ, divine with the Father. Sign it, or face exile. This ends now.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The creed rolls on: “…through whom all things were made… who for us men and our salvation came down and was made man…” Bishops hesitate, then quills move over 300 sign, the words a binding vow. Arius stands unbowed, joined by Theonas and Secundus, refusing. Eusebius of Nicomedia signs, his jaw tight. The creed closes: “…those who say ‘there was a time when He was not’ are condemned.”



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



I Eusebius July 325 sign this creed that binds us in unity, Constantine’s hand seals it. Athanasius’ Christ prevails, Arius’ falls three resist, the rest unite, but I will make my peace.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



Nicaea’s story peaks the Nicene Creed stands, a testament of one God, one Son, eternal and divine. Arius fades, but echoes linger.



Aftermath and Legacy. July 325 fades at Nicaea the palace hall quiets, the Nicene Creed signed, its ink still wet. Constantine’s will has forged unity, Athanasius’ eternal Christ stands tall, Arius’ created Son falls. But the story doesn’t end here. This is Part 7: Aftermath and Legacy where Nicaea’s echo ripples through time.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The council ends over 300 bishops signed the creed, Arius, Theonas, and Secundus refused, their defiance a spark in the dust. Constantine acts swift exile for the three, their names struck from favor. He turns to the hall, voice resolved.



Constantine the Great – Roman Emperor



This creed binds us one God, one Son, one empire. Take it to your churches, teach it, live it. Division ends here.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The bishops depart, scrolls in hand, but unease lingers Eusebius of Nicomedia, signer yet Arius’ ally, whispers to his circle, eyes on the future. In Alexandria, Athanasius and Alexander return triumphant, the creed their shield, though Arian echoes haunt the east. Riots fade, but questions simmer homoousios unites on parchment, not in every heart.



Athanasius – Deacon to Bishop Alexander



Emperor, brothers, our work holds John 1:1 stands: “The Word was God.” The Messiah reigns eternal, sinless, divine our hope secured. Yet we watch, for truth must endure.



Arius – Founder of Arianism Heresy



Exile takes me, but scripture speaks John 17:3: “You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You sent.” My stand lives in those who hear.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



The empire shifts Constantine enforces the creed, but Arianism festers, resurfacing years later. Athanasius rises, bishop by 328, defending homoousios against storms. Nicaea’s legacy grows the creed shapes faith, councils follow, the Trinity’s seed planted. Here’s what they forged, in full: “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father, only-begotten, that is, of the substance of the Father, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made, both in heaven and in earth; who for us men and for our salvation came down and was incarnate, was made man, suffered, and rose again the third day, ascended into heaven, and comes to judge the living and the dead; and in the Holy Spirit. Those who say, ‘There was a time when He was not,’ and ‘He was not before He was made,’ or ‘He was made out of nothing,’ are anathema.”



Eusebius of Caesarea – Historian and Bishop



I, Eusebius of Caesarea, see the close Constantine seals the creed, Arius departs, the bishops scatter. Unity holds, yet shadows stir. July three twenty five ends it, the creed stands, Arius fades, Athanasius endures. Its words echo, shaping faith beyond this hall.



Michael Mathis (Narrator)



Nicaea’s tale closes. Christ’s divinity holds with the truth. This is our story’s end, a glimpse of what it might have been like in hopes of remembering history better. It fascinates me how God uses secular Kings and Rulers, such as Constantine the Great and King James VI to accomplish His will. Thank you, listeners, for walking this journey with us through the fire of debate to the creed that shapes our faith. Your time here fuels our mission: exploring God’s sovereignty in the present through history’s lens. Engage with us, share your thoughts, join the conversation. This is Michael Mathis, signing off until next week.

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