Lord's Day 25

Question 65.

Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence doth this faith proceed?

Answer. From the Holy Ghost, who works [a] faith in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel, and [b] confirms it by the use of the sacraments.

Question 66.

What are the sacraments?

Answer. The sacraments are holy visible signs and seals, appointed of God for this end, that by the use thereof, he may the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the gospel, vis., that he grants us freely the remission of sin, and [c] life eternal, for the sake of that one sacrifice of Christ, accomplished on the cross.

Question 67.

Are both word and sacraments, then, ordained and appointed for this end, that they may direct our faith to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, as the only ground of our salvation?

Answer. Yes, indeed: for the Holy Ghost teaches us in the gospel, and assures us by the sacraments, [d] that the whole of our salvation depends upon that one sacrifice of Christ which he offered for us on the cross.

Question 68.

How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the new covenant, or testament?

Answer. [e] Two: namely, holy baptism, and the holy supper.

[a]: Eph. 2:8; Eph. 6:23; Phil. 1:29
[b]: Mat. 28:19; Rom. 4:11
[c]: Gen. 17:11; Rom. 4:11; Ex. 12; Lev. 6:25; Acts 22:16; Acts 2:38; Mat. 26:28
[d]: Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27
[e]: 1Cor. 10:2,3,4

Lord's Day 33

Question 88.

Of how many parts doth the true conversion of man consist?

Answer. Of two parts; of [a] the mortification of the old, and the quickening of the new man.

Question 89.

What is the mortification of the old man?

Answer. It is a [b] sincere sorrow of heart, that we have provoked God by our sins; and more and more to hate and flee from them.

Question 90.

What is the quickening of the new man?

Answer. It is a sincere joy of heart in God, through Christ, [c] and with love and [d] delight to live according to the will of God in all good works.

Question 91.

But what are good works?

Answer. Only those which proceed from a true [e] faith, are performed according to the [f] law of God, and to his [g] glory; and not such as are [h] founded on our imaginations, or the institutions of men.

[a]: Rom. 6:4,5,6; Eph. 4:22,23; Col. 3:5; 1Cor. 5:7
[b]: Psa. 51:3,8,17; Luke 15:18; Rom. 8:13; Joel 1:12,13
[c]: Rom. 5:1,2; Rom. 14:17; Isa. 57:15
[d]: Rom. 6:10,11; 1Pet. 4:2; Gal. 2:20
[e]: Rom. 14:23
[f]: 1Sam. 15:22; Eph. 2:2,10
[g]: 1Cor. 10:31
[h]: Deut. 12:32; Ezek. 20:18; Mat. 15:9