Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 161
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.
Scripture references for paragraph 1
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
1 Peter 3:2121And 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 8:1313Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed.
Acts 8:2323For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity.”
1 Corinthians 3:6-76I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.
7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
1 Corinthians 12:1313For 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.
Source and edition
Westminster Larger Catechism. NonlinearFruit/Creeds.json, Unlicense. Creeds.json, English transcription
Unlicense. Source transcription.
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