Grace, Means of

"Means of grace" is a theological expression — not found in Scripture itself — designating those institutions ordained by God as the ordinary channels through which he conveys saving and sanctifying grace to human souls. Reformed and Lutheran theology identifies three primary means: (1.) the Word of God, both read and preached, which is "living and active" (Heb. 4:12) and able to make one "wise for salvation" (2 Tim. 3:15); (2.) the sacraments — baptism and the Lord's Supper — which are visible words that seal and apply the promises of the gospel; and (3.) prayer, through which the believer receives grace and communion with God. The concept guards against both a mechanical sacramentalism (where the rite automatically conveys grace apart from faith) and a purely individualist spirituality that bypasses the appointed instruments God has provided for his church.