Question 96 of 114
The Gospel and the Means of Grace
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 (; ; ), and the working of the Spirit in those that by faith receive them (; ).
Read the 5 proof texts (KJV)
- 1 Peter 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:
- Matthew 3:11
- I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:
- 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
- 6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
- 1 Corinthians 12:3
- Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
- Matthew 28:19
- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: