WSC 90

Q90. How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation?

That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.

Proof texts

• Prov. 8:34 — [34] Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.
• 1 Pet. 2:1-2 — [1] So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. [2] Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation —
• Ps. 119:18 — [18] Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
• Heb. 4:2 — [2] For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.
• 2 Thess. 2:10 — [10] and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
• Ps. 119:11 — [11] I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
• Luke 8:15 — [15] As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
• Jas. 1:25 — [25] But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Prov. 8:34 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 8 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WLC Q157 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WLC Q149 · WLC Q157 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · 1689 28.1