WLC 164

Westminster Larger Catechism

Q164. How many sacraments hath Christ instituted in his church under the New Testament?

Under the New Testament Christ hath instituted in his church only two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's supper.

Proof texts

For discussion

  1. The Assembly cited Matt. 26:26-28 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
  2. 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
  3. WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
  4. WCF 27.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q88 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · 1689 28.1

Leader's notes

A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. CLXI., CLXII., CLXIII., CLXIV. QUEST. CLXI. How doth the sacraments become effectual means of salvation? ANSW. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation; not by any power in themselves, or any virtue derived from the piety and intention of him by whom they are administered; but only by the working of the Holy Ghost, and the blessing of Christ, by whom they are instituted. QUEST. CLXII. What is a sacrament? ANSW. A sacrament is an holy ordinance, instituted by Christ in his church, to signify, seal, and exhibit, unto those that are within the covenant of grace, the benefits of his mediation; to strengthen and increase their faith, and all other graces; to oblige them to obedience; to testify…