I had a meeting with a local pastor last night, and we discussed many topics. The discussion involved an examination between the Heidelberg Catechism and the Westminster Confession on the topic of assurance and how it relates to Saving faith. Here are the two passages in question:
The WCF says assurance is NOT essential to saving faith, but the HC seems to make it a part of faith. Is there a contradiction between the two? If not, how does one reconcile the wording (specifically of the HC)?
WCF
18:3 This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith, but that a true believer may wait long, and conflict with many difficulties before he be a partaker of it (Psa_77:1-12; 88:1-18; Isa_1:10; Mar_9:24; 1Jo_5:13):
Heidelberg Catechism
21. Q. What is true faith?
A. True faith is a sure knowledge whereby I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in His Word.[1] At the same time it is a firm confidence[2] that not only to others, but also to me,[3] God has granted forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation,[4] out of mere grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits.[5] This faith the Holy Spirit works in my heart by the gospel.[6]
[1] John 17:3, 17; Heb. 11:1-3; James 2:19. [2] Rom. 4:18-21; 5:1; 10:10; Heb. 4:16. [3] Gal. 2:20. [4] Rom. 1:17; Heb. 10:10. [5] Rom.3:20-26; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-10. [6] Acts 16:14; Rom. 1:16; 10:17; I Cor. 1:21.
The WCF says assurance is NOT essential to saving faith, but the HC seems to make it a part of faith. Is there a contradiction between the two? If not, how does one reconcile the wording (specifically of the HC)?