In the Scriptures, in the means of grace, above all we need Christ’s presence:
…the law is said to be dead, and so it is, without Christ, without the Spirit who give s life; and the gospel, too, is a ‘savour of death’ (2 Cor. 2:16). The sacraments also, as well as the Word, are dead ordinances if Christ is not in them…
We can also understand why we obtain more comfort at one time than another from an ordinance (be it Word or sacrament), and why it benefits one person and not another. This is from the presence or absence of Christ, who is ‘that Spirit’…
The most powerful means that ever was ordained for our good will be dead and heartless if he is not there by his Spirit to put life into it…
We ought to come to the ordinances in dependence upon Christ, who is the life and scope of all, for a blessing upon them and for his presence in them; and then we would not find such dullness and deadness in them. It is the sin of this age, this formality.’
– Richard Sibbes, Glorious Freedom, pp. 15-17.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
