Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Assent, in a biblical context, refers to the act of agreeing or consenting to a particular truth or doctrine. It involves an intellectual acknowledgment of the truth of God's Word and the teachings of Scripture. Assent is a crucial component of faith, as it signifies the acceptance of divine revelation and the truths presented in the Bible. Biblical Usage The concept of assent is implicitly present throughout Scripture, where believers are called to acknowledge and accept the truths of God's Word. While the term "assent" itself may not frequently appear in the Bible, the idea is woven into the fabric of biblical teaching, particularly in relation to faith and belief. Faith and Assent In the New Testament, faith is often described as involving knowledge, assent, and trust. Assent is the intellectual agreement with the truths of the Gospel. James 2:19 illustrates the insufficiency of mere intellectual assent without accompanying action: "You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that, and shudder." This verse highlights that while demons intellectually assent to the truth of God's existence, their lack of trust and obedience renders their belief incomplete. Assent and Salvation Assent is a necessary component of saving faith. Romans 10:9 states, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Here, the confession of Jesus as Lord involves an assent to the truth of His lordship and resurrection. This intellectual agreement, coupled with heartfelt trust, leads to salvation. Assent and Obedience True assent to biblical truths results in obedience to God's commands. In John 14:15 , Jesus says, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." Genuine assent to the teachings of Christ is demonstrated through a life of obedience and adherence to His Word. This obedience is not merely a legalistic adherence to rules but a response of love and devotion to God. Assent and the Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in enabling believers to assent to the truths of Scripture. In John 16:13 , Jesus promises, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth." The Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of believers, helping them to understand and assent to the truths of God's Word. Assent in the Early Church The early church emphasized the importance of assent to the apostolic teachings. Acts 2:42 describes the early believers: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This devotion included an assent to the doctrines taught by the apostles, which formed the foundation of the church's faith and practice. Conclusion While assent alone is not sufficient for a complete faith, it is an essential component of a believer's relationship with God. It involves the intellectual acceptance of biblical truths, which, when combined with trust and obedience, leads to a vibrant and living faith. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To express one's agreement, to acquiesce, to concur, to concede.2. (n.) The act of assenting; the act of the mind in admitting or agreeing to anything; concurrence with approval; consent; agreement; acquiescence. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASSENTa-sent': Twice used in the King James Version as equivalent to "voice," and to "consent," and displaced in both instances in the Revised Version (British and American) by the literal rendering of the Hebrew peh, "mouth" (2 Chronicles 18:12); and the Greek suntithemi, "agree to," i.e. "affirm" (Acts 24:9). Greek 4909. suneudokeo -- to join in approving ... 1), hearty agreement (1). allow, assent, be pleased, have pleasure. From sun and eudokeo; to think well of in common, ie Assent ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4909.htm - 7k 4852. sumphemi -- to say together, ie consent 1962. epineuo -- to nod approval 4784. sugkatatithemi -- to deposit together, hence to agree with 3670. homologeo -- to speak the same, to agree 4934. suntithemi -- to place together, hence observe, agree 4783. sugkatathesis -- a putting down together, ie agreement 1860. epaggelia -- a summons, a promise 1843. exomologeo -- to agree, confess 4334. proserchomai -- to approach, to draw near Strong's Hebrew 6310. peh -- mouth... 7), words (3). according as after, appointment, assent, collar, commandment, eat, edge, end,. From pa'ah; the mouth (as the means ... /hebrew/6310.htm - 7k 225. uth -- to consent, agree 2974. yaal -- to show willingness, be pleased, determine ... 4117. mahar -- to acquire by paying a purchase price Library Whether to Believe is to Think with Assent? Dost Thou Bid Me Assent, if any Define Time to be "Motion of a ... Whether to Believe is to Think with Assent The Delusion of the Deist Lies Here: He Refuses an Assent to the ... Gregory, Finding Some Dissatisfaction About his Appointment ... The Macedonians and Acacians Meet at Antioch, and Proclaim their ... But Let Celsus, and those who Assent to his Charges... To Believe is to Think with Assent. On the Causes of Doubt or Assent. Whether to Believe is Meritorious Thesaurus Assent (3 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ASSENT. a ... Multi-Version Concordance Assent (3 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 6:3 So teach and exhort. If ... /a/assent.htm - 8k Faith (769 Occurrences) Nod (2 Occurrences) Consent (34 Occurrences) Bow (248 Occurrences) Accede (1 Occurrence) Assenting (2 Occurrences) Yield (78 Occurrences) Yea (867 Occurrences) Obey (219 Occurrences) Resources What is the definition of faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that even the demons believe (James 2:19)? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between faith and hope? | GotQuestions.org Assent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Assent (3 Occurrences)1 Timothy 6:3 1 Kings 22:13 2 Chronicles 18:12 Subtopics Related Terms |