Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence does this faith proceed?
From the Holy Ghost,1 who works faith in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel, and confirms it by the use of the sacraments.2
What are the sacraments?
The sacraments are holy visible signs and seals, appointed of God for this end, that by the use thereof, he may the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the gospel, viz., that he grants us freely the remission of sin, and life eternal, for the sake of that one sacrifice of Christ, accomplished on the cross.3
2 Matt. 28:19, 20; 1 Pet. 1:22, 23.
3 Gen. 17:11; Rom. 4:11; Deut. 30:6; Lev. 6:25; Heb. 9:7-9, 24; Ezek. 20:12; Isa. 6:6, 7; Isa. 54:9.