The Westminster Larger Catechism
Questions 161—164: On the Sacraments
Q. 161. How do the sacraments become effectual
means of salvation?
A. 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 the Holy Ghost, and the blessing of Christ, by whom
they are instituteda.
a 1 Pet. 3:21; Acts 8:13 compared
with verse 23; 1 Cor. 3:6,7; 1 Cor. 12:13
Q. 162. What is a sacrament?
A. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by
Christ in his churcha, to signify, seal, and
exhibitb unto those that are within the covenant
of gracec, the benefits of his mediationd;
to strengthen and increase their faith, and all other gracese;
to oblige them to obediencef; to testify and
cherish their love and communion one with anotherg;
and to distinguish them from those that are withouth.
a Gen. 17:7,10; Exod. 12;
Matt. 28:19; Matt. 26:26-28 b Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor.
11:24,25 c Rom. 15:8; Exod. 12:48 d
Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 10:16 e Rom. 4:11; Gal. 3:27 f
Rom. 6:3,4; 1 Cor. 10:21 g Eph. 4:2-5; 1 Cor.
12:13 h Eph. 2:11,12; Gen. 34:14
Q. 163. What are the parts of a sacrament?
A. The parts of a sacrament are two; the one an
outward and sensible sign, used according to Christ's own appointment;
the other an inward and spiritual grace thereby signifieda.
a Matt. 3:11; 1 Pet. 3:21;
Rom. 2:28,29
Q. 164. How many sacraments hath Christ
instituted in his church under the New Testament?
A. Under the New Testament Christ hath instituted
in his church only two sacraments, baptism and the Lord's suppera.
a Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor.
11:20,23; Matt. 26:26-28
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