Westminster Shorter Catechism

Memory cards for questions 91 to 100

Westminster Shorter Catechism · Q91

How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

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Answer 91

The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer 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; Matthew 3:11; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; 1 Corinthians 12:13

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Westminster Shorter Catechism · Q92

What is a sacrament?

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Answer 92

A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.

Genesis 17:7, 10; Exodus 12; 1 Corinthians 11:23, 26

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Westminster Shorter Catechism · Q93

Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?

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Answer 93

The sacraments of the New Testament are baptism and the Lord’s supper.

Matthew 28:19; Matthew 26:26-28

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Westminster Shorter Catechism · Q94

What is baptism?

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Answer 94

Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord’s.

Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4; Galatians 3:27

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Westminster Shorter Catechism · Q95

To whom is baptism to be administered?

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Answer 95

Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized.

Acts 8:36-37; Acts 2:38-39; Genesis 17:10 with Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Corinthians 7:14

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Westminster Shorter Catechism · Q96

What is the Lord’s supper?

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Answer 96

The Lord’s supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine according to Christ’s appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 1 Corinthians 10:16

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Westminster Shorter Catechism · Q97

What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord’s supper?

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Answer 97

It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord’s supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.

1 Corinthians 11:28-29; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:31; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8

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Westminster Shorter Catechism · Q98

What is prayer?

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Answer 98

Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.

Psalm 62:8; 1 John 5:14; John 16:23; Psalm 32:5-6; Daniel 9:4; Philippians 4:6

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Westminster Shorter Catechism · Q99

What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?

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Answer 99

The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called the Lord’s prayer.

1 John 5:14; Matthew 6:9-13 with Luke 11:2-4

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Westminster Shorter Catechism · Q100

What doth the preface of the Lord’s prayer teach us?

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Answer 100

The preface of the Lord’s prayer, which is, Our Father which art in heaven, teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father able and ready to help us; and that we should pray with and for others.

Matthew 6:9; Romans 8:15; Luke 11:13; Acts 12:5; 1 Timothy 2:1-2

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