from the Heidelberg Catechism
Q & A 21
Q. What is true faith?
A. True faith is
not only a knowledge and conviction
that everything God reveals in his Word is true;^1
it is also a deep-rooted assurance,^2
created in me by the Holy Spirit^3 through the gospel,^4
that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ,^5
not only others, but I too,^6
have had my sins forgiven,
have been made forever right with God,
and have been granted salvation.^7
^1 John 17:3, 17; Heb. 11:1-3; James 2:19
^2 Rom. 4:18-21; 5:1; 10:10; Heb. 4:14-16
^3 Matt. 16:15-17; John 3:5; Acts 16:14
^4 Rom. 1:16; 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21
^5 Rom. 3:21-26; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-10
^6 Gal. 2:20
^7 Rom. 1:17; Heb. 10:10
Q & A 22
Q. What then must a Christian believe?
A. Everything God promises us in the gospel.^1
That gospel is summarized for us
in the articles of our Christian faith—
a creed beyond doubt,
and confessed throughout the world.
^1 Matt. 28:18-20; John 20:30-31
