The Outward Means of Christ's Mediation in Scripture

The outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation are the sacraments and the preaching of the Word. Paul writes in Romans 10:17 that "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ," highlighting the crucial role of preaching in communicating the benefits of Christ's mediation. The sacraments, including baptism and the Lord's Supper, are also essential outward means, as they visibly represent and seal the promises of the gospel to believers.

These outward means are not merely symbolic, but are actually used by the Holy Spirit to apply the benefits of Christ's mediation to believers. Through the preaching of the Word and the administration of the sacraments, the Spirit works to convict, convert, and sanctify believers, drawing them into a deeper union with Christ. The Westminster Confession of Faith emphasizes the importance of these outward means, stating that they are the ordinary means by which the Spirit communicates the benefits of Christ's mediation to believers.

The use of these outward means is a testament to the gracious nature of God, who condescends to use human language and visible symbols to communicate his love and redemption to humanity. By emphasizing the importance of the outward means, Reformed theology underscores the objective nature of salvation, which is rooted in the finished work of Christ and applied to believers through the Spirit's use of these means. This truth addresses the heart of the believer, reminding them that their salvation is not dependent on their own efforts or experiences, but on the sovereign grace of God, who uses these outward means to bring them to faith and maturity in Christ.