Question 154. What are the outward or ordinary means whereby Christ communicates the benefits of his mediation to his body, the church?

 

Question 154. What are the outward or ordinary means whereby Christ communicates the benefits of his mediation to his body, the church?

Answer. The outward or ordinary means whereby Christ communicates the benefits of his mediation to his body, the church, are all his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer. All these are made effectual to the salvation of the elect.

Romans 6:3-5 Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried with him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. Baptism is an external ceremony, but by believing in the ceremony with your heart, you attain righteousness.

A ceremony that is not followed by your heart remains nothing more than a formal ceremony. The Eucharist symbolizes the blood and body of Jesus, and it commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus. It also confirms the belief that we are saved and united with Jesus Christ.

 

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