the geneva catechism 4 (continued)
God, is now given to us, to certify to us that we have part in this reconciliation.
348. What do we have in the sign of the wine? That the Lord Jesus, who once shed His blood in payment and satisfaction for our offences, gives it to us to drink, that we may have no doubt at all of receiving its fruit.
349. According to your replies, the Supper takes us back to the death and passion of Jesus Christ, that we may communicate in its virtue? Yes, for then the unique and perpetual sacrifice was offered for our redemption. Therefore there remains for us nought but to enjoy it.
350. The Supper, then, was not instituted in order to offer up the body of Jesus the Son to the Father? No, for this office pertains to none but Him alone, since He is the eternal Priest (Heb. 5:5). But He commands us only to receive His body, not to offer it (Matt. 26:26).
351. Why is there a double sign? Our Lord has appointed it for the sake of our weakness, in order to teach us that He is not only food to our souls, but drink also, so that we may seek our nourishment wholly and entirely in Him, and not elsewhere.
352. Should all men equally use the second sign, that is the chalice? Yes, this is according to the commandment of Jesus Christ, against which nothing is to be attempted.
353. Do we have in the Supper simply the testimony of the things already mentioned, or are they truly given to us in it? See that Jesus Christ is the Truth, there can be no doubt that the promises which He made at the Supper, are actually fulfilled in it, and that what He figures in it is made true. Thus in accordance with what He promises and represents in the Sacrament, I do not doubt that He makes us partakers of His very substance, in order to unite us with Himself in one life.
354. But how can this be, when the body of Jesus Christ is in heaven, and we are pilgrims on this earth?