---
title: "Question 91: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation? | Westminster Shorter Catechism"
description: "Westminster Shorter Catechism, question 91: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation? The Sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but onl"
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-91-how-do-the-sacraments-become-effectual-means-of-salvation/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=170"
---

# Question 91: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation? | Westminster Shorter Catechism

The Sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them.

Scripture proofs: 1 Pet. 3:21; Matt. 3:11; 1 Cor. 3:6-7; 1 Cor. 12:13.

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=170)

## 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 Larger Catechism · Question 161: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-161-how-do-the-sacraments-become-effectual-means-of-salvation/)
- [Question 90](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-90-how-is-the-word-to-be-read-and-heard/)
- [Question 92](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-92-what-is-a-sacrament/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-91-how-do-the-sacraments-become-effectual-means-of-salvation/