What does God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the law?
That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the law, he requires of us
- repentance toward God, and
- faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, and
- the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation.
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;[1]
all which are made effectual to the elect for their salvation.
Westminster Larger Catechism, 1647
Questions 153, 154
[1] It is important to recognize that the catechism does not limit the means of grace to just these three things; all the ordinances given to the Church by Christ, either personally or through his Apostles, are to be understood as means of grace. The Word, Sacraments, and prayer are specified here because they are not occasional, but should be an ongoing and regular part of the believer’s spiritual ‘diet.’ Other ordinances (that is, means of grace) given by Christ or his Apostles include:
- Confession of sin, privately to God, corporately in worship, to others (Matthew 5:23-24, Luke 17:3-4, James 5:16, 1 John 1:8-10),
- Anointing with oil by the elders (James 5:14-16),
- Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18),
- Christian fellowship (Romans 14:14, 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, Galatians 6:1-2).
to name a few.