2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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THE SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH (I)
LORD’S DAY, MAY 10
John 6:51-69
John 14:15-17
“He that believeth on me
hath everlasting life.”
THE SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH (I)
In the Westminster Shorter Catechism the two sacraments, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are presented under the general heading of “the means of grace.” WSC Qn 88: “What are the outward and ordinary 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, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.”
The outward formal and physical act of baptism and the Lord’s Supper do not convey any spiritual blessing or benefit. There is nothing magical about the ceremonies of water baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
One proof that the sacraments are not held to be external instruments in themselves for the conveying of the grace of God is the fact that the Word and prayer are also said to be “outward and ordinary means” in the same sense as the sacraments. WSC Qns 89 and 90: “How is the Word made effectual to salvation? The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith unto salvation. How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation? That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practise it in our lives.”
It is not the act of carrying the Bible that shows that one is saved. Salvation comes not by a possession of the Bible, but by understanding and obeying its divinely inspired words with the help of the Holy Spirit. With reference to the sacraments, the WSC Qn 91 teaches, “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.”
THOUGHT: The sacraments are outward signs of an inward grace.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to live by faith and not by sight.