Q.91. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

A. 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,[v] and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them.[w]

[v] 1 Pet. 3:21. Matt. 3:11. 1 Cor. 3:6,7.

[w] 1 Cor. 12:13.

We are here taught,

1. That the sacraments possess no virtue in themselves.

2. That the sacraments are not rendered effectual by any virtue in the administrator.

3. That the sacraments are rendered effectual by the blessing of Christ.

4. That the sacraments are made effectual by the operation of the Spirit of God.

5. That the sacraments become effectual to those only who receive them by faith.

Q.92. What is a sacrament?

A. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.[x]

[x] Gen. 17:7,10. Exod. 12 throughout. 1 Cor. 11:23,26.

We are here taught,

1. That the sacraments are holy ordinances.

2. That the sacrament of baptism was instituted by Christ.

3. That the sacrament of the supper was instituted by Christ.

4. That Christ is represented by a sensible sign in the sacrament of baptism.

5. That Christ is represented by sensible signs in the sacrament of the supper.

6. That the benefits of the new covenant are represented in the sacraments.

7. That Christ and the benefits of the new covenant are sealed to believers in the sacraments.

8. That Christ and the benefits of the new covenant are applied to believers in the sacraments.

Q.93. Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?

A. The sacraments of the New Testament are, Baptism,[y] and the Lord’s supper.[z]

[y] Matt. 28:19.

[z] Matt. 26:26-28.

We are here taught,

1. That baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament.

2. That the Lord’s Supper is a sacrament of the New Testament.