ectypal.net

Calvin insists that recognition of the signa-res distinction does not relegate the sacrament to a figment or an "empty," "bare" sign. It is not empty or bare because Christ really performs what is held out or "exhibited" in the signa: the union between Christ and the communicant is not illusory but a true communion with the real, flesh-and-blood Christ. In short, distinction is not separation. Thus are the signa holy not intrinsically or by virtue of their local identity with the res but on account of the service they yield as instrumenta by Christ's own appointment. Since Jesus is Truth he fulfills the promise he there gives us. As he testifies by words and signs so he makes us partakers of his substance so that we have one life with him. As visible, tangible aids, the sacraments are thus God's gracious way of accommodating to our weaknesses. If we were spiritual we could spiritually behold him, says Calvin, but living in bodies of clay we need figures and mirrors to exhibit a view of spiritual, heavenly things in an earthly manner; otherwise we could not attain to them.