How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?
The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them.
In the confessions
Related questions
- #WLC161How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation? (Westminster Larger Catechism)The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not by any power in themselves, or any virtue derived from the piety or intention of him by whom they are administered, but only by the working of t...
- #BC96How do baptism and the Lord’s supper become effectual means of salvation? (Baptist Catechism)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...
- #GC317How, then, and when do the sacraments produce this effect? (Genevan Catechism)When we receive them in faith, seeking Jesus Christ alone and His grace in them.
- #GC312Seeing it is the proper office of the Holy Spirit to seal the promises of God in our hearts, how do you attribute this to the sacraments? (Genevan Catechism)There is a great difference between the one and the other. The Spirit of God in very truth is the only One who can touch and move our hearts, enlighten our minds, and assure our consciences; so that a...
- #GC316But what assurance of grace can the sacraments give, seeing that good and bad both receive them? (Genevan Catechism)Although the unbelievers and the wicked make of none effect the grace offered them through the sacraments, yet it does not follow that the proper nature of the sacraments is also made of non effect.
- #GC313You think, then, that the efficacy of the sacraments does not consist in the outward element, but proceeds entirely from the Spirit of God? (Genevan Catechism)Yes; for the Lord is pleased to work by these instruments which He has instituted: without detracting from His own power.
- #GC318Why do you say that we must seek Jesus Christ in them? (Genevan Catechism)I mean that we are not to be taken up with the earthly sign so as to seek our salvation in it, nor are we to imagine that it has a peculiar power enclosed within it. On the contrary, we are to employ...
- #GC311Does a visible and natural sign have this power to assure the conscience? (Genevan Catechism)No, not of itself, but in so far as it is ordained of God for this end.
- #AOC66Doth then both the Word and sacraments tend to that dnd, as to lead our faith unto the sacrifice of Christ finished on the cross as to the only ground of our salvation? (An Orthodox Catechism)It is even so; for the Holy Ghost teacheth us by the Gospel, and assureth us by the sacraments, that the salvation of all of us standeth in the only sacrifice of Christ offered for us upon the cross.
- #HC67Are both the Word and the sacraments then intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation? (Heidelberg Catechism)Yes, indeed. The Holy Spirit teaches us in the gospel and assures us by the sacraments that our entire salvation rests on Christ’s one sacrifice for us on the cross.