| Question | How do baptism and the Lord's supper become effectual means of salvation? |
|---|---|
| Answer | 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, 1 and the working of the Spirit in those that by faith receive them. 2 |
The Baptist Catechism Set to Music
Benjamin Beddome’s Exposition
Are sacraments signs?
Yes.
Thus Abraham received the sign of circumcision,
Romans 4:11
Are they outward signs of spiritual and invisible blessings?
Yes.
Neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh, but that of the heart,
Romans 2:28–29
Doth baptism signify the work of regeneration wrought in us?
Yes.
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him,
Colossians 2:13
And doth the Lord’s supper signify the work of redemption wrought for us?
Yes.
This do in remembrance of me,
Luke 22:19
And are these outward signs useful to stir up inward affections?
Yes.
Mine eye affecteth mine heart,
Lamentations 3:51
Are the sacraments effectual means of salvation to all who partake of them?
No.
For if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision,
Romans 2:25
Do they save by an inherent virtue in themselves?
No.
For baptism doth not save as it is a putting away the filth of the flesh,
1 Peter 3:21
Or in those that administer them?
No.
For neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth,
1 Corinthians 3:7
Are they therefore the less effectual when administered by an ungodly person?
No.
For Judas was numbered with us, and obtained a part of the ministry,
Acts 1:17
Or the more so when administered by one that is godly?
No.
For Philip baptized Simon, who yet was in the gall of bitterness,
Acts 8:13, 23
Should this then prevent a partial regard to one minister to the neglect of others?
Yes.
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos?
1 Corinthians 3:5
Doth the efficacy of sacraments depend upon the blessing and presence of Christ?
Yes.
Lo, I am with you always,
Matthew 28:20
And upon the co-operating influence of the Spirit?
Yes.
By one Spirit we are all baptized,
1 Corinthians 12:13
And are they only effectual to those who by faith receive them?
Yes.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, he that believeth not shall be damned,
Mark 16:16
The Westminster Larger Catechism
| Question | How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation? |
|---|---|
| Answer | 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 instituted. 1 |
| Question | What is a sacrament? |
|---|---|
| Answer | A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his church, 1 to signify, seal, and exhibit 2 unto those that are within the covenant of grace, 3 the benefits of his mediation; 4 to strengthen and increase their faith, and all other graces; 5 to oblige them to obedience; 6 to testify and cherish their love and communion one with another; 7 and to distinguish them from those that are without. 8 |
| Question | What are the parts of a sacrament? |
|---|---|
| Answer | 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 signified. 1 |
| Question | How many sacraments hath Christ instituted in his church under the New Testament? |
|---|---|
| Answer | Under the New Testament Christ hath instituted in his church only two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's supper. 1 |
| Question | Wherein do the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper agree? |
|---|---|
| Answer | The sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper agree, in that the author of both is God; 1 the spiritual part of both is Christ and his benefits; 2 both are seals of the same covenant, 3 are to be dispensed by ministers of the gospel, and by none other; 4 and to be continued in the church of Christ until his second coming. 5 |
| Question | Wherein do the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper differ? |
|---|---|
| Answer | The sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper differ, in that baptism is to be administered but once, with water, to be a sign and seal of our regeneration and ingrafting into Christ, 1 and that even to infants; 2 whereas the Lord's supper is to be administered often, in the elements of bread and wine, to represent and exhibit Christ as spiritual nourishment to the soul, 3 and to confirm our continuance and growth in him, 4 and that only to such as are of years and ability to examine themselves. 5 |