The Means of Grace
The Word, sacraments, and prayer as means of grace
Questions 149–160
Q149. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
No man is able, either of himself, or by any grace received in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments …
Q150. Are all transgressions of the law of God equally heinous in themselves, and in the sight of God?
All transgressions of the law of God are not equally heinous; but some sins in themselves, and by reason of …
Q151. What are those aggravations that make some sins more heinous than others?
Sins receive their aggravations, 1. From the persons offending: if they be of riper age, greater experience or grace, eminent …
Q152. What doth every sin deserve at the hands of God?
Every sin, even the least, being against the sovereignty, goodness, and holiness of God, and against his righteous law, deserveth …
Q153. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the law?
That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the …
Q154. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation?
The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his church the benefits of his mediation, are all his ordinances; …
Q155. How is the word made effectual to salvation?
The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, an effectual means of enlightening, convincing, …
Q156. Is the word of God to be read by all?
Although all are not to be permitted to read the word publicly to the congregation, yet all sorts of people …
Q157. How is the word of God to be read?
The holy scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them; with a firm persuasion that …
Q158. By whom is the word of God to be preached?
The word of God is to be preached only by such as are sufficiently gifted, and also duly approved and …
Q159. How is the word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto?
They that are called to labor in the ministry of the word, are to preach sound doctrine, diligently, in season …
Q160. What is required of those that hear the word preached?
It is required of those that hear the word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; …