Matthew Henry’s Westminster Shorter Catechism Commentary: 91

Do the sacraments certainly save all that partake of them? No: They who were rejected of Christ could say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence,

Luke 13:26

. Are they then effectual by any virtue in themselves? No: for bodily exercise profits little,

1 Tim. 4:8

. Do they of themselves confer grace? No: for if thou be a breaker of the law thy circumcision is made uncircumcision

Rom. 2:25

. Is the thing signified of greater consequence than the sign? Yes: for circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter,

Rom. 2:29

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Does the efficacy of the sacraments depend upon the minister? No: for who is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed?

1 Cor. 3:5

. Does the goodness of the minister invigorate the sacrament? No: for Philip baptized Simon, who yet was in the gall of bitterness,

Acts 8:13

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Acts 8:23

. Does the badness of the minister invalidate the sacrament? No: For Judas was numbered with us, and obtained part of this ministry,

Acts 1:17

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Does the efficacy of sacraments depend upon the blessing of Christ? Yes: Lo, I am with you always,

Matt. 28:20

. And upon the working of the Spirit? Yes: for it is the Spirit that quickeneth

John 6:63

. And are they effectual to those only who by faith receive them? Yes: He that believes, and is baptized, shall be saved,

Mark 16:16

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Matthew Henry’s Westminster Shorter Catechism Commentary on Question 91