On to number 88....
Ques. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?
Ans. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.
Q. 1. What do comprehend all the outward and ordinnry means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?
A. The ordinances of the Lord do comprehend all the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.
Q. 2. What are meant by the ordinances of the Lord?
A. By the ordinances of the Lord are meant those means of grace and salvation which are of the Lord's institution, which he hath appointed and commanded in his Word, and no other. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded yoti."— Matt. 28:20. "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye keep the ordinances as I delivered them unto you; for I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you "— 1 Cor. 11:1, 2, 23.
Q. 3. May we not make use of any ordinances which are of men's appointment only, in order to salvation?
A. We ought not to make use of any ordinances which are of men's appointment only, in order unto salvation, because this is will-worship, which is both vain and offensive; and we cannot groundedly expect the blessing of the Lord upon, or to receive any true benefit of any ordinances, but by those alone which are of his own appointment only. "Why are ye subject to ordinances, after the commandments and doctrines of men? which things have a show of wisdom in will-worship," &c.— Col. 2:20, 22, 23. "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."— Matt. 15:9.
Q. 4. Why are the ordinances called the ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?
A. The ordinances are called the ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption, because the Lord hath not wholly limited and bound up himself unto his ordinances; for he can in an extraordinary way bring some out of a state of nature into a state of grace; as Paul, who was converted by a light and a voice from heaven: but the ordiuances are the most usual way and means of conversion and salvation, without the use of which we cannot, upon good ground, expect that any benefit of redemption should be communicated to us.
Q. 5. What are the chief ordinances of the Lord's appointment?
A. The chief ordinances of the Lord's appointment are the Word, sacraments, and prayer. "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."— Acts 2:42.
Q. 6. To whom are the ordinances made effectual for salvation?
A. The ordinances are made effectual for salvation to the elect only. "And they continued with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread, praising God. And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved."— Acts 2:46, 47. -Thomas Vincent
No comments:
Post a Comment