Question 88

What doth comprehend all the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption?

The ordinances of the Lord do comprehend all the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption.

What is meant by the Ordinances of the Lord?

By the Ordinances of the Lord is meant those means of Grace and Salvation which are of the Lords institution, which he hath appointed and commanded in his Word, and no other. Teaching to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.^a 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 unto you. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you.^b

May we not make use of any Ordinances, which are of mens appointment only, in order to Salvation?

We ought not to make use of any Ordinances which are of mans 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 by any Ordinances but by those alone which are of his own appointment only. Why are we subject to Ordinances after the Commandements and Doctrines of men; which things have a shew of wisdom in will worship, &c.^c But in vain they do worship me, teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of man.^d

Why are the Ordinances called the ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption?

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 voice from Heaven: but the Ordinances 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.

What are the chief Ordinances of the Lords appointment?

The chief Ordinances of the Lords 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.^e

To whom are the Ordinances made effectual for Salvation?

The Ordinances are made effectual for Salvation to the Elect only. And they continuing with one accord in the Temple and breaking Bread, praising God. And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved.^f