---
title: "Question 161: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation? | Westminster Larger Catechism"
description: "Westminster Larger Catechism, question 161: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation? The Sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not by any power in themselves, or any virtue derived from the piety or i"
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-161-how-do-the-sacraments-become-effectual-means-of-salvation/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=149"
---

# Question 161: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation? | Westminster Larger Catechism

The Sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not by any power in themselves, or any virtue derived from the piety or intention of him by whom they are administered; but only by the working of the Holy Ghost, and the blessing of Christ by whom they are instituted.

Scripture proofs: 1 Pet. 3:21; Acts 8:13, 23; 1 Cor. 3:6-7; 1 Cor. 12:13.

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=149)

## Related reading

- [Baptism and the children of believers](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/baptism/)
- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-27-sacraments/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 91: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-91-how-do-the-sacraments-become-effectual-means-of-salvation/)
- [Question 160](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-160-what-is-required-of-those-that-hear-the-word/)
- [Question 162](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-162-what-is-a-sacrament/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-161-how-do-the-sacraments-become-effectual-means-of-salvation/