What do you mean by the Ordinary Means of Grace?

Presbyterians speak of “The Ordinary Means of Grace” to refer to how God Ordinarily works in the lives of His Children.  He ordinarily works through the ordinary means of Word, Sacrament, and Prayer in Corporate Worship, and Word and Prayer in private devotion.  Here’s how Westminster Larger Catechism #154 says it,

What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation?
The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his church the benefits of his mediation, are all his ordinances; especially the word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for their salvation. (Matt. 28:19–20, Acts 2:42,46–47)

In a day and age where people are searching for extraordinary experiences, the simplicity of how God works is refreshing.  When these means are partaken of by Faith, our Lord communicates Grace to us; grace received by faith.

Here’s a Teaching on Westminster Confession of Faith 21 – Of Religious Worship where the Reformed Principles of

  • The Lord’s Day as the Christian Sabbath
  • The Regulative Principle of Worship
  • The Ordinary Means of Grace

are discussed. The video will start at point discussing the Ordinary Means of Grace.

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