Question 90

What must we do that the Word may become effectual to Salvation?

We must attend unto it with diligence. 1 Tim. 4. 13. Acts 16. 14.

What is it to attend unto the Word with diligence?

To bend the mind, and set the heart and affections wholly to it, or to give that heed to it, that will prepare the heart readily to receive it, and to be delivered into the power of it.

Are there not some things to be done before we attend to the Word?

Two things are here expressed, 1. Preparation; and 2. Prayer.

In Preparation what must be done?

1. We must look well to our heart, affections, and mind that they be fixed, composed and ordered, and we must summon and call all that is within us together to this service, that we may read and hear the Word of God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. 2. We must follow the Apostle St. Peter’s advice, 1 Epist. 2. 1, 2. Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings. As new born Babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that we may grow thereby.

And what else is here expressed to be done before we attend unto the Word?

2. Prayer.

How must this be performed?

We must Pray, 1. That God would open our eyes that we may behold wondrous things out of his Law. 2. That the Word of the Lord may run and be glorified, i. e. that we may receive, obey and honour it with an holy, unblameable answerable life as becometh persons professing godliness.

What doth God require of us in our attending to the Word?

That we receive it.

How must the Word be received?

It must be received with Faith and Love. Heb. 4 2. 2 Thes. 2. 10.

What is it to receive the Word with Faith?

Soundly to believe the truth and goodness of it, and to accept of both.

What is it to receive it with Love?

To receive it willingly with all readiness of mind. Acts 17 11. Psal. 119. 14, 20, 97, 103, 127, 162.

And what doth God require of us after our attention to the Word?

He requireth of us two things, 1. That we lay it up in our hearts. 2. That we practise it in our lives. Psalm 119. 11. Luke 2. 51. Luke 8. 15. Iames 1. 22,—26.

Will it nothing avail us to attend unto the Word, to receive it and lay it up in our hearts, except we practise it in our lives?

No.

And will the Word be effectual to our Salvation if duely attended to, received, laid up in our hearts, and practised in our lives?

Yes.