(Second Part: Of Man’s Redemption—Questions 12-85)
65. Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence comes this faith?
- The Holy Ghost works it in our hearts by the preaching of the Gospel, and confirms it by the use of the Holy Sacraments.
66. What are the Sacraments?
- The Sacraments are visible, holy signs and seals, appointed by God for this end, that by the use thereof He may the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the Gospel: namely, that He grants us out of free grace the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life, for the sake of the one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the cross.
67. Are both these, then, the Word and the Sacraments, designed to direct our faith to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, as the only ground of our salvation?
- Yes truly; for the Holy Ghost teaches in the Gospel, and by the Holy Sacraments assures us, that our whole salvation stands in the one sacrifice of Christ made for us on the cross.
68. How many Sacraments has Christ appointed in the New Testament?
- Two: Holy Baptism and the Holy Supper.
