The Book of Confessions - The Presbyterian Leader

in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, (793) with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby
Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption. (794)
Q. 86. What is faith in Jesus Christ?
A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, (795) whereby we receive (796) and rest
upon him alone for salvation, (797) as he is offered to us in the gospel. (798)
Q. 87. What is repentance unto life?
A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace, (799) whereby a sinner, out of a true sense
of his sin, (800) and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, (801) doth, with grief and
hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, (802) with full purpose of, and endeavor after, new
obedience. (803)
Q. 88. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the
benefits of redemption?
A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits
of redemption are his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer, (804) all which
are made effectual to the elect for salvation.
Q. 89. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?
A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching, of the Word an
effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, (805) and of building them up in holiness
and comfort, through faith unto salvation. (806)
Q. 90. How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to
salvation?
A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation we must attend thereunto with
diligence, (807) preparation, (808) and prayer; (809) receive it with faith (810) and love; (811)
lay it up in our hearts; (812) and practice it in our lives. (813)
Q. 91. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?
A. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them,
or in him that doth administer them, but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his
Spirit in them that by faith receive them. (814)
Q. 92. What is a sacrament?
A. A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ, wherein, by sensible signs,
Christ and the benefits of the new covenant are represented, (815) sealed, and applied to
Copyright © 1996 by the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA)