Question 89

What is the Ordinance or appointment of the Lord in reference unto the word, that it may be effectual unto Salvation?

The Ordinance or appointment of the Lord in reference unto the Word, that it may be effectual unto Salvation, is 1. That we read the Word, He shall Read therein all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of this Law, and these Statutes to do them.^a Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testifie of me.^b 2. That we hear the Word Preached. Incline thine ear and come unto me, hear and thy soul shall live?^c It pleased God by the foolishness of Preaching to save them that beleive.^d

How is the Word made effectual unto Salvation?

The Word is made effectual unto Salvation. First, In reference to sinners and ungodly, as the Word is a means, 1. To convince them of sin, and to affect them with remorse for it. But if all Prophecy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all; And thus the secrets of his heart are made manifest, and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.^e For the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged Sword, piercing even to the dividing of the soul and of the spirit, and of the joynts and of the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.^f Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts.^g 2. To convert them from sin, and joyn them unto Christ and his People. The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the Soul.^h Then they that gladly received his word were Baptised, & the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.ⁱ Howbeit many of them which heard the Word believed, and the number of the men was about five thousand.^j Secondly, In reference unto those that are converted the Word is effectual for Salvation as it is a means of building them up in holiness and comfort unto Salvation And now Brethren I commend you to God, and to the word of his Grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among those that are sanctified.^k And he gave some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ; Till we all come in the unity of the Faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the statute of the fulness of Christ.^l

How doth the Word build up the Saints in Holiness?

The Word doth build up the Saints in holiness, as it is a means to work them into a greater conformity unto the image of God, and to cause an increase of every grace in them. We all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory.^m As new born Babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby.ⁿ 2. As it doth reprove, correct, instruct in righteousness, and thereby perfect them more and more and fit them for good works, All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for Doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto every good work.^o 3. As it is a means of pulling down strong holds in the soul, and more and more subjugating and subduing all thoughts and affections unto the obedience of Christ. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought unto the obedience of Christ.^p 4. As it is a means to strengthen the Saints against the temptations of the Devil, and the corruptions of their own hearts. Take to you the whole Armour of God that ye may be able to stand in the evil day. Take the Sword of the spirit which is the Word of God.^q Get thee hence Sathan, for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, &c.^r Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.^s 5. As it is a means to establish the Saints in the truths and ways of God, and to strengthen them against errour and seduction. Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, &c.^t That we be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of Doctrine by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive.^u

How doth the Word build up the Saints in comfort?

The Word doth build up the Saints in comfort; 1. As it doth reveal and hold forth the chiefest grounds of comfort, such as the promises of pardon, and eternal life. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God; speak comfortably unto Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished that her sins are pardoned.^v This is the promise that he hath promised, even eternal life.^w 2. As it is the means of conveying to the soul the most sweet and unutterable joy of the Holy Ghost. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.^x

Is the Word effectual unto Salvation by any vertue or power in it self?

The Word is not effectual unto Salvation by any vertue or power in it self, but by the operation of the spirit of God, in and by the Word. Who hath also made us able Ministers of the New Testament, not of the letter but of the spirit; for the letter killeth but the spirit giveth life.^y

How doth the Word work effectually unto Salvation?

The Word doth work effectually unto Salvation through Faith. Ye received it not as the Word of men, but (as it is in truth) the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.^z For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto Salvation, to every one that believeth.^aa