Not To Be Confused With
'Means of grace' names how grace ordinarily reaches us, not a way to earn it. Traditions differ over whether the sacraments convey grace in themselves or chiefly seal and confirm the Word received by faith.
God could work immediately, but ordinarily he uses appointed means: the preached and read Word, the sacraments, and prayer. The doctrine shapes worship and the Christian life — grace is sought where God has promised to give it, not in techniques of our own devising.