Means of Grace

                The precious phrase “means of grace” is defined well by our Shorter Catechism: “The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the word, sacraments, and prayer; all of which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.”

                Means of grace are ways the Lord has given to us so that we may grow in him and enjoy the salvation he has purchased for us. The Christian life is not a frustrated search for something that works for us. It is trust and obedience to walk the path our Savior has revealed to us in his Word. Means of grace are the same for every child of God. Through them, Jesus Christ gives himself to us through the working of the Spirit.

                Consider Acts 2:42: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Here are the defining means of grace for the whole church, for all time. We receive the benefits of redemption in Christ as we abide in his word (John 15:1-8). We must not try the Bible for a while or better attendance at preaching for a month or two – waiting for lightning in a bottle to make our problems go away. We must continue in these fundamental means, and then we will grow. It may be imperceptible or rapid, but the Lord promises that the more we are renewed in our minds by his word and continue obeying his word, the more we grow (Eph. 4:22-24).

                This first and fundamental means of grace must be our daily bread – when we are discouraged – go to the Word. But, we say to ourselves, we do not feel like it. Faith must have her say: “The Lord says I will grow in Him and overcome sin as I abide in his word.” If we are troubled or tempted, it is the same – back to the word. Where are my thoughts? My desires? Let me take up the sword of the Spirit and be renewed in my thinking by the living word of the living God. This is the Lord’s way to growth and joy.

                The same is true of fellowship. Begin with fellowship in worship – hearing the Lord’s word, singing, praising, praying, and communing with Him together. From this, the Lord gives grace as we fellowship in service – evangelism, hosting and hospitality, prayer meetings. Being together for a purpose – to know and share our life in Christ.

                “Breaking of bread” is commonly taken as a reference to the Lord’s Supper: “He was known to them in the breaking of the bread” (Luke 24:35). The Lord’s Supper and Baptism are word signs – they are aids to our faith so that we will believe the Lord’s word. They bring us back to “first things:” Christ crucified for our sins. His blood cleanses us, as signified in the waters of baptism. His life is our life, as signed and given in the bread, when we eat by faith. Do not absent yourself from the Word and Sacrament. There is no sustained growth in Jesus Christ unto holiness, joy, and obedience without a constant diet of his grace.

                Prayer might speak for itself, but note the “they:” they continued in prayer. We must pray together, know one another’s needs and burdens, and bring them together to the Lord. Then, as he answers – we praise him together for being in our midst and supplying all our needs. A taste of heaven! Look for opportunities to pray with other Christians all the time. Every legitimate blessing in Christ is sought and received through believing prayer. 

                Christ’s means of grace have his promise attached to them: his promise to bless them and make us grow through their diligent use. Manmade worship and activities and rituals do not (Col. 2:18-23). They have an “appearance of wisdom,” and they often tickle our fancies, but they are of no value to restrain the flesh. Build your life instead upon Christ’s means of grace. Trust him. Means of grace comes down to faith – whether or not we will trust the Lord’s way to growth and joy in his great salvation. Through them, we grow in him all our lives, until we live with him forever.