Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 91 of 107
How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?
A.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.
Which Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 91. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
- 1 Peter 3:21
And this prefigured baptism, which now saves you—not the washing off of physical dirt but the pledge of a good conscience to God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (NET)
- Matthew 3:11
“I baptize you with water, for repentance, but the one coming after me is more powerful than I am—I am not worthy to carry his sandals! He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (NET)
- 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
6I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused it to grow. 7So neither the one who plants counts for anything, nor the one who waters, but God who causes the growth. (NET)
- 1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Whether Jews or Greeks or slaves or free, we were all made to drink of the one Spirit. (NET)
What does this answer mean?
The sacraments do not save by any power in themselves, or in the minister who gives them. They become effectual means of salvation only by the blessing of Christ and the working of his Spirit in those who receive them by faith.
What can we ask our children?
- Is there magic power in the water or the bread?
- Who makes the sacraments a blessing?
- What do we need in order to receive them rightly?
Can I print this question?
Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.
- Memory card for question 91 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 91 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 91 to 100
- Copywork for questions 91 to 100
- All Westminster Shorter Catechism printables
Text: The Shorter Catechism, constitutional text of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Public domain (1647). Proof references: Scripture proofs added by the Westminster Assembly, as transcribed by The Westminster Standard. Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible; see permissions.
Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.