True faith rests in God as he has revealed himself, in Christ the Word of God incarnate, and in Holy Scripture, the inspired, infallible word of God written. When we give assent to the Christian faith, we are giving assent to concrete claims and propositions in Holy Scripture about Scripture itself, God, humanity, Christ, salvation, church, and last things.

Through rationalism and mysticism, many have sought to ascend to God instead of being content to assent to him and to his truth. Paul says:

But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Rom 10:6–9 ESV)

When we assent to the faith, we are not going up to God, but rather we are agreeing that he has come to us in Christ, that he has revealed himself to us in his word, and that his word is truth.

R. Scott Clark, The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological & Pastoral Commentary (Lexham Academic, 2025), 143–44.

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Post authored by:

• Tony Phelps

  

  Tony grew up in Rhode Island. He was educated at University of Rhode Island (BA) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He worked in the insurance industry for ten years. He planted a PCA church in Wakefield, RI where he served for eleven years. He has pastored Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Colorado Springs (2015–18), and  Living Hope Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Allentown PA (2019–25). He is currently pastor of Christ Our Hope Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Charlestown, RI. Tony is married to Donna and together they have three children.

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