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Introduction

The Westminster Shorter Catechism, in Question 88, succinctly teaches that “the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.” This rich statement summarizes the Reformed understanding of how God conveys grace to His people. The Word, sacraments, and prayer are not just formalities or empty rituals; they are means of grace—the ordinary channels through which God actively works to nourish, sustain, and build up His people in the faith. But why are these particular ordinances considered means of grace, and how do they function in the life of the believer? Let’s explore each in turn.

The Word: The Primary Means of Grace

The Word of God, especially as it is read and preached, holds a preeminent place as the primary means of grace. This is because Scripture is God's direct communication to humanity, revealing His will, His character, and His plan of redemption through Christ. The Apostle Paul underscores this point in Romans 10:17: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” The Word is not just informative but transformative. It does not merely convey facts about God or the gospel but, through the work of the Holy Spirit, brings about conviction, conversion, and sanctification.

The Word is a means of grace because it is the instrument through which God accomplishes His saving work. In the act of preaching, for example, the Holy Spirit works to convict sinners of their need for Christ and strengthens believers in their faith. As the Belgic Confession states, the Word is “sufficient to bring men to a saving knowledge of Christ” (Article 7). It is through the faithful proclamation of the gospel that people are regenerated and come to know Christ personally, and believers continue to grow in grace as they hear the Scriptures taught and apply them to their lives.

Moreover, the Word feeds the souls of believers. Jesus Himself declared, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Just as physical food sustains the body, so the Word of God sustains and nourishes the spiritual life of the believer. Through the daily reading of Scripture and the weekly hearing of it in worship, the elect are continually reminded of God’s promises, guided in the paths of righteousness, and encouraged in their faith.

The Sacraments: Visible Signs and Seals of Grace

The sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are outward, visible signs and seals of an inward, spiritual grace. They are divinely instituted practices through which God visibly confirms His promises to His people. While the sacraments in themselves do not save, they are used by the Holy Spirit to strengthen faith and assure believers of their union with Christ.

Baptism serves as a sign of initiation into the covenant community of God’s people, symbolizing cleansing from sin and union with Christ in His death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-4). It is not the water that saves, but God’s promise signified by the water. As the Westminster Confession of Faith states, “the efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered” (WCF 28.6). Rather, it signifies and seals the covenant of grace, and the benefits of salvation are applied to the elect through faith.

Similarly, the Lord’s Supper is a means of grace wherein believers spiritually feed on Christ by faith. As they partake of the bread and the wine, which represent the broken body and shed blood of Jesus, they are reminded of His atoning sacrifice on their behalf and strengthened in their union with Him. The Apostle Paul teaches that this sacrament is a communion or participation in Christ (1 Cor. 10:16), through which believers are nourished spiritually. The Lord’s Supper not only memorializes Christ’s death but also points believers forward to His return and the consummation of His kingdom, when they will feast with Him in glory.

Both sacraments, therefore, function as means of grace by visibly portraying the gospel and reinforcing the believer’s faith in Christ’s redemptive work.

Prayer: Communion with God

Prayer is another vital means of grace, through which believers commune with God and seek His will, guidance, and strength. Jesus Himself teaches His disciples to pray and assures them that their Father in heaven hears and answers their petitions (Matt. 7:7-11). While prayer may seem more subjective compared to the Word and sacraments, it is no less a means through which God works His grace in the lives of His people.

In prayer, believers acknowledge their dependence on God for all things, humbly bringing their requests, confessions, and praises before Him. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17), indicating that constant communion with God is essential for spiritual vitality. Prayer not only deepens the believer’s relationship with God but also aligns their hearts with His purposes. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit works in the lives of the elect, shaping their desires, providing comfort in trials, and equipping them to live out the gospel.

Moreover, prayer is effective because it is rooted in the promises of God. As believers pray according to God’s will, they can trust that He will answer in ways that bring glory to His name and good to His people (1 John 5:14-15). In this way, prayer becomes a powerful means by which God pours out His grace upon His church, providing what is needed for faith and godliness.

Conclusion: The Ordinary Channels of Extraordinary Grace

The Word, sacraments, and prayer are rightly called means of grace because through them, Christ communicates the benefits of redemption to His people. While each functions differently, all three work together to nourish the believer’s faith and sustain their spiritual life. In the Word, God speaks to His people. In the sacraments, He confirms His promises to them. In prayer, they respond to Him in faith and dependence. These are the ordinary means by which God accomplishes extraordinary work in the hearts of His elect, drawing them ever closer to Himself and molding them into the image of His Son.

Ultimately, the Word, sacraments, and prayer are not just duties of the Christian life—they are gifts from a gracious God, given to sustain His people in their pilgrimage until they reach their heavenly home. Through these means of grace, the church is continually reminded of the truth of the gospel, strengthened in faith, and equipped to live for the glory of God.

Pastor Thiago Silva