LORD’S DAY 25
Question 65: Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all His benefits by faith only, whence doth this faith proceed?
Answer: From the Holy Ghost, who works faith1 in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel, and confirms it by the use of the sacraments.2
Question 66: What are the sacraments?
Answer: 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 thecross.3
Question 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?
Answer: 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.4
Question 68: How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the new covenant, or testament?
Answer: Two, namely, holy baptism and the holy supper.5
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1 Eph. 2:8, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.
Eph. 6:23, Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. 1:29, For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.
2 Matt. 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.
Rom. 4:11, And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.
3 Gen. 17:11, And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt Me and you.
Rom. 4:11, And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.
Lev. 6:25, Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, This is the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed before the LORD: it is most holy.
Acts 22:16, And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Acts 2:38, Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Matt. 26:28, For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
4 Rom. 6:3, Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?
Gal. 3:27, For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
5 1 Cor. 10:2–4, And all were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
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