This is an attempt to simplify the creeds’ language. There’s also a link to the actual creed as well for reference.
It’s worth noting that I’m sacrificing specificity for conciseness, so the exact ideas here will differ a little from the original text.
Apostles’ Creed – ~120-250
I believe in God, the almighty Father, who created everything.
I believe in his only Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; he went down to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He rose to heaven and sits at God the Father almighty’s right hand.
He will come from there to judge the living and dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, holy universal church, shared gathering of saints, forgiveness of sins, resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.
Nicene Creed – 325
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, who made absolutely everything.
I believe in the Only Begotten Son of God, the only Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Father before everything else.
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, the same as the Father; through him everything was made.
For us men and our salvation, he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit became man within the Virgin Mary.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day, which the Scriptures show.
He rose to into heaven and is seated at the Father’s right hand.
He will come from there in glory to judge the living and dead, and his kingdom won’t end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who comes from the Father and the Son, is adored and glorified with the Father and the Son, and has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, universal Church established with the apostles’ assistance.
I confess one Baptism for forgiving sins and look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and the life in the coming world.
Amen.