What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?
The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption are his ordinances, especially the word, baptism, the Lord’s supper, and prayer; all which means are made effectual to the elect for salvation.
Proofs
- The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption are his ordinances, especially the word, baptism, the Lord’s supper, and prayer; all which means are made effectual to the elect for salvation. (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:42, 46–47)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Are there ordinances which are not of God’s appointment?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: We read of the statutes of Omri, (Micah 6:16)
But are these unprofitable?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For those that observe lying vanities, forsake their own mercies, (Jonah 2:8)
And should they therefore be rejected?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Why are we subject to ordinances after the commandments of men? (Colossians 2:20)
Section 2
Are there ordinances of God’s appointment?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Thou shalt teach them my ordinances, (Exodus 18:20)
Are the word, sacraments and prayer the great gospel ordinances?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Then they that gladly received the word were baptized, and they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, (Acts 2:41–42)
Is singing of psalms also an ordinance?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: O come, let us sing unto the Lord, let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation, (Psalm 95:1)
Is it an ordinance very pleasing to God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or a bullock, (Psalm 69:31)
And very useful and instructive to men?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual (Colossians 3:16)
Should it therefore be attended to in a very serious manner?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord, (Colossians 3:16)
Are these ordinances made effectual to all God’s elect?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For as many as were ordained to eternal life believed, (Acts 13:48)
And to none but such?
Answer: No.
Proof: Ye believe not because ye are not my sheep, (John 10:26)
Section 3
Have some been wrought upon by religious discourse?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, (Proverbs 13:20)
And others by dreams?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: In a dream, in a vision of the night, he openeth the ears of men and sealeth their instruction, (Job 33:15–16)
And others by afflictive providence?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: When Manasseh was in affliction he humbled himself before the God of his fathers, (2 Chronicles 33:12)
And others in a yet more miraculous manner?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Thus Saul was called by a voice from heaven, (Acts 9:4)
But are God’s word and ordinances the ordinary means of salvation?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He hath given pastors and teachers for the edifying of the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:11–12)
Should we therefore attend upon them?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Blessed is the man that heareth me, (Proverbs 8:34)
And that diligently and constantly?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Watching daily at my gates, and waiting at the post of my doors, (Proverbs 8:34)