In Acts 2:41-42 we find a simple description of the Church that was formed after Peter preached in Jerusalem at Pentecost:

41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Embedded within these inspired verses are what we have come to refer to as ‘the means of grace.’ That is, we see three ways that the Holy Spirit initially bought new life to those who believed in Christ, and then sustained that new life over the course of time. They are, 1) the Word, 2) the Sacraments, and 3) prayer.

In the Westminster Larger Catechism, these three ‘means’ are further explained:

Q. 154. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation?

A. 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.

That the ‘means of grace’ are said to be “effectual to the elect for their salvation” indicates that these are the ways the Holy Spirit brings us to maturity in Christ, nourishes our souls, and testifies to us that we belong to our Lord, thus, providing divine comfort and the assurance in this life that we are redeemed.

On Sunday, we will explore this passage of Scripture and consider how the Word, the Sacraments, and prayer not only distinguish Christ’s Church, but also bring about her growth in holiness.