The Means of Grace : The Sacraments – Questions 91-93
Q. 91. How do the sacraments become effective means of salvation?
The sacraments become effective means of salvation not because of any power in them or in him who administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ and the working of his Spirit in those who receive them in faith.[a]
[a]. 1 Cor 3:7; cf. 1 Cor 1:12-17
Comment on Q. 91.
The sacraments are not converting but confirming rites. They do not themselves contain the grace they signify, nor are they channels of spiritual blessing where true faith is absent. The sacraments rest on the authority of Christ, and profit those of faith, so they are of value even if the minister is not all he ought to be.
Q. 92. What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is a holy ordinance appointed by Christ,[a] by which, by visible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed and applied to believers.[b]
[a]. Mat 28:19; Mat 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-25; Luk 22:19-20; 1 Cor 1:22-26
[b]. Gal 3:27; 1 Cor 10:16-17
Comment on Q. 92.
To the observer, the sacraments are visible signs, declaring and bringing to the mind the leading truths which are revealed in Scripture concerning the way of salvation. They are thus seals, confirming the truth of God, just as a seal is affixed to a document so that it may be known to be genuine. To the properly qualified participant (a believer), the sacraments are signs and seals confirming his or her interest in Christ and applying or exhibiting Christ and all his benefits to the soul. Thus the Holy Spirit enables the more vigorous exercise of faith, and enjoyment of the benefits of the Christian life (see Q. 36).
Q. 93. Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?
The sacraments of the New Testament are, two only, Baptism,[a] and the Lord’s Supper,[b] /and these take the place of Circumcision and the Passover in the Old Testament./
[a]. Mat 28:19
[b]. 1 Cor 11:23-26
Comment on Q. 93.
Circumcision was the initiatory rite of the Old Testament church, and the Passover was the often repeated rite that spoke of deliverance from diving wrath through the life of a lamb. Jesus is the true Lamb of God.
The Means of Grace : The Sacraments : Baptism – Questions 94-95
Q. 94. What is Baptism?
Baptism is the sacrament /of solemn admission into the church on earth/ in which the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,[a] signifies and seals our being grafted into Christ, and having a share in the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our pledge to be the Lord’s.[b]
[a]. Mat 28:19
[b]. Acts 2:38-42; Acts 22:16; Rom 6:3-4; Gal 3:26-27; 1 Pet 3:21
Comment on Q. 94.
Baptism is not a private thing but it is given by Christ to his church. Water speaks of cleansing, and this is what the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together do for us. The precise mode of baptism is not described in detail in the New Testament. After all, the water is a symbol of a change beyond the power of water, and so the quantity used is not of much importance. The positive teaching of Scripture is that baptism involves putting water on the person, not putting the person into water, and the parallel with Holy Spirit baptism confirms this (Mat 3:11 compare Acts 2). A simple mode suitable to all kinds of people and situations is implied by the New Testament descriptions. Total immersion lacks Old Testament precedent or clear New Testament justification. Sprinkling/pouring has a very adequate basis in the Bible (see also Eze 36:24-27 with Heb 10:11-18).
Q. 95. To whom is Baptism to be administered?
Baptism is not to be administered to any outside membership of the church on earth, until they profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him;[a] but infants descending from parents (one or both) professing faith in Christ and obedience to him, /are, for that reason, within the covenant and/ are to be baptised.[b]
[a]. Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12, 36, 38; Acts 18:8
[b]. Gen 17:7, 9-11; Acts 2:38-39; Acts 16:32-33; Col 2:11-12
Comment on Q. 95.
God has always administered his covenant promise on the ‘family descent’ principle: his commitment is ‘to you and your children’. God’s gracious activity works against sin, not against the family. Covenant children have obligations along with their parents. Though children may be ‘cut off’ from God’s family because of unbelief, the expectation of the parent who seeks to honour the Lord in bringing up the children should be that they will accept the obligations of God’s covenant as they are trained in God’s ways.
