of the minister. Nevertheless, the fruits of the sacraments also depend on the disposition of the one who receives them."

Catholics, Eastern Orthodox and Protestants agree that grace is a gift from God, as in Ephesians 2:8: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." Lutherans hold that the means of grace are "the gospel in Word and sacraments." That the sacraments are means