The Baptist Catechism

    Westminster Larger Catechism (1647), Westminster Assembly

    Question 161

    How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

    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.a

    How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

    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.a

    1. a. 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 8:13, 23; 1 Corinthians 3:6–7; 12:13

      1 Peter 3:21

      3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

      3:21 And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God-through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

      Acts 8:13; Acts 8:23

      8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

      8:13 Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed. 8:23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity."

      1 Corinthians 3:6–7

      3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

      3:6 I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 3:7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

      1 Corinthians 12:13

      12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

      12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

      King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

    Related (2)

    The Baptist Catechism (1695), parallel to this question

    Question 96

    How do baptism and the Lord’s supper become effectual means of salvation?

    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, and the working of the Spirit in those that by faith receive them.

    Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647), parallel to this question

    Question 91

    How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

    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.

    Commentaries (8)