Geneva Catechism (351 - 360)

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Q. 351. But how can this be, when the body of Christ is in heaven, and we are still pilgrims on the earth?

A. This he accomplishes by the secret and miraculous agency of his Spirit, to whom it is not difficult to unite things otherwise disjoined by a distant space.

Q. 352. You do not imagine then, either that the body is in-closed in the bread or the blood in the wine?

A. Neither is inclosed. My understanding rather is, that in order to obtain the reality of the signs, our minds must be raised to heaven, where Christ is, and from whence we expect him as Judge and Redeemer, and that it is improper and vain to seek him in these earthly elements.

Q. 353. To collect the substance of what you have said-You maintain that there are two things in the Supper, viz., bread and wine, which are seen by the eyes, handled by the hands, and perceived by the taste, and Christ by whom our souls are inwardly fed as with their own proper aliment?

A. True; and so much so that the resurrection of the body also is there confirmed to us by a kind of pledge, since the body also shares in the symbol of life.

Q. 354. What is the right and legitimate use of this Sacrament?

A. That which Paul points out, "Let a man examine himself;" before he approach to it. (1 Cor. xi. 28.)

Q. 355. Into what is he to inquire in this examination?

A. Whether he be a true member of Christ.

Q. 356. By what evidence may he come to know this?

A. If he is endued with faith and repentance, if he entertains sincere love for his neighbour, if he has his mind pure from all hatred and malice.

Q. 357. Do you require that a man's faith and charity should both be perfect?

A. Both should be entire and free from all hypocrisy, but it were vain to demand an absolute perfection to which nothing should be wanting, seeing that none such will ever be found in man.

Q. 358. Then the imperfection under which we still labour does not forbid our approach?

A. On the contrary, were we perfect, the Supper would no longer be of any use to us. It should be a help to aid our weakness, and a support to our imperfection.

Q. 359. Is no other end besides proposed by these two Sacraments?

A. They are also marks and as it were badges of our profession. For by the use of them we profess our faith before men, and testify our consent in the religion of Christ.

Q. 360. Were any one to despise the use of them, in what light should it be regarded?

A. As an indirect denial of Christ. Assuredly such a person, inasmuch as he deigns not to confess himself a Christian, deserves not to be classed among Christians.

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