Q10. Building Up Faith Through the Ordinances

Qu. 10. How do we in and by them build up our selves in our most holy faith?

Answ. By the exercise of that communion with God in Christ Jesus, which in their due observation he graciously invites and admits us to, for the increase of his grace in us, and the testification of his love and good will towards us (Genesis 17:10; Leviticus 26:11, 12; Proverbs 9:5, 6; Ezekiel 26:27, 28; Zechariah 14:16, 17; Matthew 26:27, 28; Romans 6:3).

Explication.

The next and principal ends of all instituted worship in respect of believers, are the increase of the grace of God in them, their edification in their most holy faith, and the testification of the good will of God to them (Ephesians 4:11, 12, 13, 14, 15): "And he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and 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 of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; that we henceforth 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, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted, by that which every joint supplies according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body to the edifying of it self in love." From where also is that prayer of the Apostle for the blessing of God upon the Church, in the use of them (Ephesians 3:16, 17, 18): "That he will grant you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inward man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that you being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the breadth, the length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fulness of God." For these ends, and with a design to have them accomplished, in and upon their souls, ought they to attend to them (James 1:21): "Receive with meekness the ingrafted word of God, which is able to save your souls" (1 Peter 2:2): "As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." To the effecting of these ends, especially the increase and establishment of our faith, are they suited and appointed of God, whereon all their efficacy does depend. In their due observation, does God give out that supply of grace which he has promised (Ephesians 1:16, 17, 18, 19), and thus also is faith exercised, in an especial manner, which is the only ordinary means of its growth and increase. Habits both acquired, and infused, are increased and strengthened by frequent acts on suitable objects (Hosea 6:3): "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord." In the celebration of Gospel ordinances, God in Christ proposes himself in an intimate manner to the believing soul, as his God, and reward; and his love in Christ, in an especial manner in some ordinances. So does Christ also exhibit himself thereunto (Revelation 3:20): "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock, if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Faith therefore directed by the word to rest in God, to receive the Lord Christ in the observation of his ordinances, is excited, increased, strengthened, and that in answer to the appointment and promises of God.