Tomorrow morning I’ll be leading the catechism reading at my church. Each week, we recite a few questions from the catechism written by Benjamin Keach. As Reformed Baptists, we hold to the Confession of 1689. Keach wrote his catechism in an effort to further explain the theology of the Confession.

Unfortunately, at least for us today, there are parts that still beg further explanation. The question I have in mind deals with the sacraments:

Q. 98. How do Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effectual means of salvation?

A. Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them or in him that administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ and the working of His Spirit in them that by faith receive them. (1 Peter 3:21; 1 Cor. 3:6,7; 1 Cor. 12:13)

I think the phrase “effectual means of salvation” can be confusing. It could easily be taken as referring to a way in which we earn salvation, such as a means to an end. We may even be encouraged to take it this way when reading the first supporting passage: (1 Peter 3:21) “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience.”

The problem with this interpretation of the question is twofold. First, Reformed Baptists believe baptism and partaking in the Lord’s Supper are the appropriate actions of someone already saved, and we are saved by grace alone- not by works. So we would never say in a catechism that practicing sacraments are ways to become saved. Second, I know of no Reformed theologian (Baptist or otherwise) who believes that such a view is taught in the Bible, or specifically in 1 Peter 3:21*.

So what do we mean by referring to the sacraments as “effectual means of salvation?” The answer is found in a previous question of the catechism:

Q. 95. 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, Baptism, the Lord's Supper and Prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation. (Rom. 10:17; James 1:18; 1 Cor. 3:5; Acts 14:1; 2:41,42)

The benefits of redemption begin first and foremost with our justification before God due to Christ bearing the penalty for our sins on the cross. But that is not the only benefit, and the benefits are not confined to the moment we acknowledge Christ as our Lord and Savior. Rather, the benefits of redemption are applied to us throughout our lives. Paul said in Philippians to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling.” This doesn’t mean we work toward salvation, but that we are to participate in the results (benefits) of our salvation.

To the point, the sacraments are ways in which salvation is worked out in our lives as a result of already being saved. The sacraments are especially “effectual” because they are ordinances that were instituted and commanded by Christ and the Holy Spirit makes special use of them in our process of sanctification.

*For a good explanation of this verse, see Matt Slick's article.