How do baptism and the Lord’s supper become effectual means of salvation?
Baptism and the Lord’s supper become effectual means of salvation, not for any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them, but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of the Spirit in those that by faith receive them.
Proofs
- Baptism and the Lord’s supper become effectual means of salvation, not for any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them, but only by the blessing of Christ, (1 Peter 3:21; Matthew 3:11; 1 Corinthians 3:6–7)
- and the working of the Spirit in those that by faith receive them. (1 Corinthians 12:3; Matthew 28:19)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Are sacraments signs?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Thus Abraham received the sign of circumcision, (Romans 4:11)
Are they outward signs of spiritual and invisible blessings?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh, but that of the heart, (Romans 2:28–29)
Doth baptism signify the work of regeneration wrought in us?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him, (Colossians 2:13)
And doth the Lord’s supper signify the work of redemption wrought for us?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: This do in remembrance of me, (Luke 22:19)
And are these outward signs useful to stir up inward affections?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Mine eye affecteth mine heart, (Lamentations 3:51)
Section 2
Are the sacraments effectual means of salvation to all who partake of them?
Answer: No.
Proof: For if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision, (Romans 2:25)
Do they save by an inherent virtue in themselves?
Answer: No.
Proof: For baptism doth not save as it is a putting away the filth of the flesh, (1 Peter 3:21)
Or in those that administer them?
Answer: No.
Proof: For neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth, (1 Corinthians 3:7)
Are they therefore the less effectual when administered by an ungodly person?
Answer: No.
Proof: For Judas was numbered with us, and obtained a part of the ministry, (Acts 1:17)
Or the more so when administered by one that is godly?
Answer: No.
Proof: For Philip baptized Simon, who yet was in the gall of bitterness, (Acts 8:13, 23)
Should this then prevent a partial regard to one minister to the neglect of others?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos? (1 Corinthians 3:5)
Section 3
Doth the efficacy of sacraments depend upon the blessing and presence of Christ?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Lo, I am with you always, (Matthew 28:20)
And upon the co-operating influence of the Spirit?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: By one Spirit we are all baptized, (1 Corinthians 12:13)
And are they only effectual to those who by faith receive them?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, he that believeth not shall be damned, (Mark 16:16)