Chapter 26: Of Growing in Faith — Word, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper

You have shewed many excellent benefits that come by faith; but whether is faith of such necessity that these things cannot be without it?

Such is the necessity of this grace of faith, that in respect of the usual way of God's dispensation, there is no hope nor possibility that a man should escape wrath or attain happiness in this or in another world without faith (John 3:18, 36; Mark 16:16; Hebrews 11:6).

Faith then is very profitable and necessary; but whether is it perfect at the first, or grows by degrees?

The best faith is imperfect in this life, and is usually little at the first, increasing and growing by degrees to more perfection.

What are the ordinary and usual means for increasing of faith?

Hearing the word, communion of saints, receiving of sacraments, prayer, reading, meditation and conference.

When must we hear the word?

The usual and ordinary time is on the Lord's day, and other times also are not to be neglected, when God gives such opportunity.

What rules must be observed before we come to hear the word that we may get profit thereby?

We must lay aside our sins, seriously consider the weightiness of the work we go about, resolve to obey whatever shall be shewed to be the will of God, and pray to him that he would teach us to profit.

What rules must be observed in hearing?

Reverent attention, with spiritual affections, giving credit to the truth, and applying the word to ourselves.

What must we observe after we have heard?

We must meditate of the same afterward, confer of it with others, pray to God for a blessing, and set upon the practice of what is required.

What is the general nature of sacraments?

They are divine instructions annexed to the word, for the teaching of spiritual things (Genesis 17; Exodus 12; Matthew 26).

Who is the author of sacraments?

Only God, who is the author of those spiritual blessings and duties that are taught thereby.

What are the parts of a sacrament?

Two: an outward and visible sign, and an inward and spiritual blessing, which is the thing signified.

Who are to receive the sacraments?

The faithful members of some visible church, and their seed (Genesis 17:10, 11; Acts 2:39).

What is the proper effect and use of a sacrament?

To be a sign and seal of the covenant between God and his people, and of those spiritual blessings which are promised therein (Genesis 17:10, 11; Romans 4:11; Exodus 12; Matthew 26).

How many sacraments are there?

In the New Testament only two: Baptism and the Lord's Supper (Matthew 28:19 & 26:26, &c.).

What is the outward sign or part in Baptism?

Water, and washing therewith, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

What is the thing signified?

Union with Christ, and forgiveness of sins, with sanctification in the mortifying of corruption, and quickening the soul to newness of life.

Who ought to be baptized?

Men of years when once they are converted to the faith, and joined to the church; and such infants whose parents, both or one of them are to be converted and joined.

Who is the author of the Lord's Supper?

The Lord Jesus in the same night in which he was betrayed when he was about to lay down his life, which was the greatest act of love that ever was (1 Corinthians 11:23, 24).

What is the outward sign in the Lord's Supper?

Bread and wine with the actions pertaining to them, which are breaking and pouring out, giving and receiving, eating and drinking (Matthew 26:26; 1 Corinthians 11:24, 25, &c.).

What is the spiritual blessing, or thing signified?

The general sum thereof is Christ himself, and our communion with him, and withal the benefits of his passion (Matthew 26:26, &c.; 1 Corinthians 10:16).

What are the things signified more particularly?

The passion of Christ, and his sacrifice upon the cross, consisting in the crucifying of his body, and shedding of his blood (1 Corinthians 11:26).

What else?

The action of God the Father giving Christ for and to the elect, with the action of Christ giving himself to death, and likewise giving himself to the souls of the faithful.

What is the third thing signified in the Lord's Supper?

The act of faith, receiving Christ and feeding on him spiritually, so as to grow to more communion with his body and blood, and spiritual strength of grace thereby.

Who ought to receive the Lord's Supper?

Such members of the church as are endowed with knowledge, spiritual affections, faith, repentance, love, and thankfulness.