Overview

The second great means of grace is the sacraments. This section (Q91–93) explains how the sacraments become effectual (not by their own power but by the Spirit’s blessing), defines what a sacrament is, and names the two sacraments Christ instituted — preparing for the fuller treatment of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper that follows.

The Questions & Answers

Q91. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation? A. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (1 Cor. 3:7, ESV)

Further proofs: 1 Pet. 3:21; 1 Cor. 12:13; Matt. 3:11; Acts 8:13, 23.

Q92. What is a sacrament? A. A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ, wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith.” (Rom. 4:11, ESV)

Further proofs: Gen. 17:7, 10; Matt. 28:19; 26:26–28; 1 Cor. 11:23–26.

Q93. Which are the sacraments of the New Testament? A. The sacraments of the New Testament are, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…” (Matt. 28:19, ESV)

“…do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor. 11:23–26, ESV)

Further proofs: Matt. 26:26–28.

Exposition: Q91 guards against two errors. Against superstition, it denies any “virtue in [the sacraments], or in him that doth administer them” — there is no magic in the water, bread, or wine, and an unworthy minister does not void them. Against bare symbolism, it affirms they are “effectual means of salvation” — by “the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit” — “in them that by faith receive them.” So the efficacy is the Spirit’s, received by faith. Q92’s definition is rich: a sacrament uses “sensible signs” (things we can see, touch, taste) by which Christ and His benefits are represented (signified to the senses), sealed (confirmed like a covenant pledge, Rom. 4:11), and applied to believers. Q93 confesses just two New Testament sacraments — Baptism and the Lord’s Supper — against Rome’s seven.

Connections

• WLC Q161–164 — how the sacraments become effectual; what a sacrament is; its parts; the two New Testament sacraments.
• WCF 27 (Of the Sacraments) — the full doctrine of sacramental nature and efficacy.
• Loci: Sacramental theology (sign and seal; the means of grace; the Spirit’s working through ordinances).

Pastoral & Practical Significance

These questions teach us to receive the sacraments with faith — neither despising them as empty ritual nor trusting them as magic. The believer who understands Q91 is freed from two anxieties: he need not fear that a sacrament is powerless (the Spirit really works through it), nor that its blessing depends on the minister’s holiness or the perfect performance of the rite (the power is Christ’s, not man’s). Q92’s threefold “represented, sealed, and applied” shows what a gift the sacraments are: God condescends to our weakness by attaching His promises to things we can see and touch and taste, so that the gospel is not only heard but handled. When you are baptized or come to the Table, God is preaching His covenant promise to you in a visible word and sealing your interest in Christ — strengthening faith that grows weary of mere words. The right response is faith: look through the sign to the Christ it signifies, and let the Spirit use these ordinances to assure your heart. Sacraments are grace made visible, given to confirm to trembling believers that all that is Christ’s is truly theirs.

For Memory & Reflection

• Memorize Q92 especially; anchor verse: Romans 4:11. Note the three verbs: Christ is “represented, sealed, and applied.”
• Do I receive the sacraments with expectant faith, or as empty habit — or, at the other extreme, as if the elements themselves held power?
• Sacramental efficacy rests on the Spirit, not the minister. How does that steady my confidence when I come to baptism or the Table?