LORD’S DAY 25
Q. 65. Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all His benefits by faith only, whence doth this faith proceed?
A. From the Holy Ghost, who works faith in our hearts1 by the preaching of the gospel, and confirms it by the use of the sacraments.2
- Eph. 2:8; Eph. 6:23; Phil. 1:29.
- Mat. 28:19; Rom. 4:11.
Q. 66. What are the sacraments?
A. The sacraments are holy, visible signs and seals, appointed of God for this end, that by the use thereof He may the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the gospel, namely, that He grants us freely the remission of sin and life eternal, for the sake of that one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the cross.1
- Gen. 17:11; Rom. 4:11; Ex. 12; Lev. 6:25; Acts 22:16; Acts 2:38; Mat. 26:28.
Q. 67. Are both Word and sacraments, then, ordained and appointed for this end, that they may direct our faith to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?
A. Yes, indeed; for the Holy Ghost teaches us in the gospel, and assures us by the sacraments, that the whole of our salvation depends upon that one sacrifice of Christ which He offered for us on the cross.1
- Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27.
Q. 68. How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the new covenant, or testament?
A. Two, namely, holy baptism and the holy supper.1
- 1 Cor. 10:2-4.
LORD’S DAY 25
The Means of Grace
1. From where does true faith proceed?
From the Holy Spirit, who works and confirms faith in our hearts.
2. What means does the Holy Spirit use to work and confirm faith in us?
The means of grace, which are the preaching of the gospel and the sacraments.
3. How is the preaching of the gospel a means of grace?
By it the Holy Spirit both works faith in our hearts and confirms our faith, causing us to grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ. I Corinthians 1:18-24; Romans 10:14-17.
4. What are sacraments?
They are holy visible signs and seals appointed by God to declare and seal unto us more fully the promise of the gospel. Romans 4:11.
5. What is the promise of the gospel declared and sealed to us?
That God grants us freely the forgiveness of sins and life eternal for the sake of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
6. Do both the Word and the sacraments direct our faith to the cross as the only ground of our salvation?
Yes, for the Holy Spirit teaches us in the gospel, and assures us by the sacraments, that the whole of our salvation depends on the one sacrifice of the cross. I Corinthians 1:23, 24; Galatians 3:27.
7. How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the New Testament?
Two: namely, holy baptism and the holy supper.