the geneva catechism 4 (continued)
By the incomprehensible power of His Spirit, who conjoins things separated by distance.
355. You do not think, then, either that the body is enclosed in the bread, or the blood in the chalice? No. On the contrary, in order to have the reality of the Sacraments, we must lift up our hearts on high to heaven, where Jesus Christ is in the glory of His Father, from whence we expect Him in our redemption, and do not seek Him in these corruptible elements.
356. You understand, then, that there are two things in this Sacrament, material bread and wine, which we see by the eye, handle by the hands, and perceive by the taste, and Jesus Christ by whom our souls are inwardly nourished? Yes, but in such a way that we have in it also a testimony and a kind of pledge for the resurrection of our bodies, in that they are made partakers in the sign of life.
357. What is the right use of this Sacrament? That which St. Paul declares, namely that a man examine himself before he approach to it (I Cor. 11:28).
358. In what is he to examine himself? Whether he is a true member of Jesus Christ.
359. By what sign can he know this? If he has a true faith and repentance, if he loves his neighbour in true charity, and is not tainted by hatred or rancour or discord.
360. But is it necessary to have perfect faith and charity? Both should be entire and unfeigned, but to have such a perfection, from which nothing is wanting, will not be found among men. Moreover the Supper would have been instituted in vain if no one could receive it unless he were entirely perfect.
361. Imperfection, then, does not prevent us from approaching it. On the contrary, the Supper would be of no use to us, if we were not imperfect. It is an aid and support for our weakness.