The Means of Grace : The Word of God – Questions 89-90
Q. 89. How is the Word of God made effective to salvation?
The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effective means of convincing and converting sinners, and building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, to salvation.[a]
[a]. Neh 8:8-9; Acts 20:32; Rom 10:14-17; 2 Tim 3:15-17
Q. 90. How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effective to salvation?
We must attend to the Word with diligence, preparation and prayer,[a] receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practise it in our lives,[b] so that it may become effective to salvation.
[a]. Deu 6:16-18; Psa 119:18; 1 Pet 2:1-2
[b]. Psa 119:11; 2 Thes 2:10; Heb 4:2; Jas 1:22-25
Comment on Q. 90.
Many people read the Bible but do not gain help from it because they do not put time or effort into it, nor do they seek God’s help to understand and obey its teaching. This is to be like the person who wants to pass an exam without preparing for it. Do not be like that!
