HenryWSC 88

Matthew Henry’s Westminster Shorter Catechism Commentary on Question 88

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Does Christ communicate the benefits of redemption? Yes: for of his fulness have all we received,
John 1:16
. Does he ordinarily communicate them by means? Yes: I will for this be inquired of,
Ezek. 36:37
. Is he tied to those means? No: for the Spirit, as the wind, bloweth where he listeth,
John 3:8
. But are we tied to the use of them? Yes: Where I record my name, I will come to thee, and will bless thee,
Ex. 20:24
. Are the ordinances the outward and ordinary means of grace? Yes: I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them,
Ezek. 37:28
.
Are the word, sacraments, and prayer, the great gospel ordinances? Yes: Then they that gladly received his Word were baptized, and they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking bread, and in prayers,
Acts 2:41–42
. Is singing of psalms also a gospel ordinance? Yes: Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs,
Eph. 5:19
. Is it appointed for our own consolation? Yes: Is any merry, let him sing psalms,
James 5:13
. And for mutual instruction? Yes: Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms,
Col. 3:16
. And for God’s glory? Yes: Singing with grace in your heart to the Lord,
Col. 3:16
.
Has Christ appointed ministers of the gospel? Yes: he hath given pastors and teachers for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Eph. 4:11–12
. Is the administration of ordinances committed to them? Yes: for they are the stewards of the mysteries of God,
1 Cor. 4:1
. And must they attend that service? Yes: We will give ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word,
Acts 6:4
.
Are gospel ordinances made effectual to all for salvation? No: for with many of them God was not well pleased,
1 Cor. 10:5
. But are they made effectual to the elect? Yes: As many as were ordained to eternal life believed,
Acts 13:48
.
HenryWSC 88