Faith and the Sacraments

For it is not true, as some say, that sacraments confer grace by themselves, without a good movement of heart on the part of the user; for when persons in their reason use the sacraments, the user’s faith must be present also, to believe the promises, and receive the things promised, which are conveyed through the sacraments.

—Thomas Cranmer, Architect of the Book of Common Prayer, Of the Use of the Sacraments

This is why we do not give unbaptized people bread and wine and why open communion in this context is such lousy theology. This is also another example of faith manifesting itself in works. It makes absolutely no sense to come to Christ’s table to feed on his body and blood if you do not believe he is in the elements of bread and wine.