Nicene Creed phrase
I'm interested in further understanding the Nicene creed phrase "For us and for our salvation." It seems quite evident that Christ came down to earth "for our salvation," but what does "for us" refer to?
That phrase makes clear that Jesus did not become man for the purpose of self-aggrandizement; he did not come to this earth on some kind of divine ego trip. No, Jesus became man “for us.” He entered this world as man because of lost, sinful human beings.
More than that, Jesus took on human flesh not to condemn sinners or teach them how to save themselves. No, he came to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus saved the lost by being the world’s perfect substitute in life and its innocent substitute in death. Jesus’ resurrection and ascension prove that his mission was successful.
When we speak the words of the Nicene Creed you cited, we confess belief in being the objects of Jesus’ redeeming work. How blessed we are to be able to make such a confession of faith.