When the two sacraments that Jesus Christ instituted are neglected, men will always substitute in new sacraments of their own devising. God has given us this Table so that at the conclusion of our covenant renewal service, we might have closure. Just as the peace offering closed the cycle of Old Testament sacrifices, so the Lord’s Supper closes the pattern of covenant renewal worship. We have confessed our sins, we have heard the Word, we have prayed, we have offered up psalms and hymns. But we still need to know that we have been heard, that we have been received. God graciously invites us to meet with Him here, at this Table. We are invited, summoned, to meet with Jesus.
If we do not do this, then the need to do it remains. There is still a fundamental need for closure. This is why so many evangelical churches instituted the “sacrament” of the invitation. “How do I know that ‘all this’ is for me?” It is reasonable question.
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper particularize the promises of God in a wonderful way. The promises are for you. Now it is most necessary for you to come to the sacraments, particularized for you, in the only appropriate demeanor, which is faith. If you do not come in evangelical faith, then you are slapping at God who offers the promises. But if you believe the promises, what are you doing?
You are meeting with Him, communing with Him. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. With faith, you come to the elements to meet Christ there. He is present, covenantally present. We believe in the Real Presence, since the only alternative to this is the Real Absence. But that presence is not in the bread and wine, it is in the meeting. It is only a blessing for you when it is appropriated by you in living, active, and evangelical faith.