Theology Thursday
Q. 88. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ
communicates to us the benefits of redemption?
A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Ok. Some language to deal with here. That beautiful word communicates doesn’t actually mean communicate in the same way we understand it. We hear communicate and we think ‘speak’. But here, think more like → give or pass on.
Let me try and put it in plainer English. How does Jesus ‘pass’ on or give to us the benefits of redemption? Well, not by an audible voice. Instead, primarily through the Scriptures and in some sense through the sacraments (baptism & communion) and prayer.
The Scriptures are the words of God about His Word Jesus Christ. They communicate to us the good news about Jesus and when we trust in their message we receive the benefits of the gospel - redemption, forgiveness, adoption etc.
But Jesus also passes on to us the benefits of redemption through baptism and communion. How? Well, there will be more on this in coming weeks. But here is one example; when we take communion together, we are experiencing a taste of what is to come when we feast forever in the new creation.
So it is with prayer. In prayer we speak to God through Christ and with the help of the Spirit. But one day, we will speak to Him face to face.
What does it all mean for us today? Well, it means keep reading the Scriptures, keep reflecting on your baptism and taking communion. Keep praying because in all these things, God communicates to us His grace in Jesus Christ.
For Today:
Pray:
communicates to us the benefits of redemption?
A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Ok. Some language to deal with here. That beautiful word communicates doesn’t actually mean communicate in the same way we understand it. We hear communicate and we think ‘speak’. But here, think more like → give or pass on.
Let me try and put it in plainer English. How does Jesus ‘pass’ on or give to us the benefits of redemption? Well, not by an audible voice. Instead, primarily through the Scriptures and in some sense through the sacraments (baptism & communion) and prayer.
The Scriptures are the words of God about His Word Jesus Christ. They communicate to us the good news about Jesus and when we trust in their message we receive the benefits of the gospel - redemption, forgiveness, adoption etc.
But Jesus also passes on to us the benefits of redemption through baptism and communion. How? Well, there will be more on this in coming weeks. But here is one example; when we take communion together, we are experiencing a taste of what is to come when we feast forever in the new creation.
So it is with prayer. In prayer we speak to God through Christ and with the help of the Spirit. But one day, we will speak to Him face to face.
What does it all mean for us today? Well, it means keep reading the Scriptures, keep reflecting on your baptism and taking communion. Keep praying because in all these things, God communicates to us His grace in Jesus Christ.
For Today:
- How did you find out about salvation in Christ and its benefits?
- Do you reflect on your baptism?
- Pray today and consider what it is that you can talk to God.
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He communicates Himself to us through Jesus Christ.
- Give thanks for Jesus who passes on to us the truth and wins for us the benefits of redemption.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others receive what has been passed on and reflect on Jesus’ goodness to us.
Posted in Theology Thursday
No Comments