292. Why does the catechism include Baptism, Confession and the Ofice of the Keys, and the Sacrament of the Altar?
As we confessed in the Third Article, the Holy Spirit "calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church" through the Gospel--that is, the forgiveness of sins in Christ--which is offere through these means.
A. The Gospel is given to us in God's written or spoken Word, especially in the Absolution.
B. The Gospel Word is also joined to earthly elements in sacred acts that Christ has given--namely, Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
The Office of the Keys is the authority Christ gives to His Church to deliver forgiveness in these ways.
Note: Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and Holy Absolution, along with God's Word as it is written, preached, and shared, are sometimes called "the Means of Grace," because through them, as through earthly elements, the triune God delivers His gifts of forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. These Means of Grace are not simply information presented for our consideration, but are God's Word doing what it says and actually giving and delivering to us what it promises.
Eventual commentary
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