We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Thoughts on Transubstantiation


How can one be literally drinking Christ's blood and eating his flesh when Colossians 3:1 clearly states "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." Christ is not present in a wafer or a glass — He resides in heaven where He reigns equally with the Father.

Christ says to partake in the Lord's supper in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:19), He does not say He is actually present in the bread and the cup. Even when Roman Catholics try to twist John 6:54 as literal, you have to remember the Bible forbids drinking blood (Lev. 7, Deut. 12:23).  Also, where cannibalism is mentioned in Scripture, it is a result of spiritual apostasy (Lev. 26:29, Deut. 28:53-57, here in particular it is listed with the curses that result from disobedience). God's word does not contradict, so Christ is not endorsing drinking blood or eating human flesh. To interpret John 6:54 literally is a grievous mistake; it must be taken in a symbolic sense of His sacrifice on the cross, as well as being taken in a spiritual sense as Jesus noted in vs. 63.

Matthew Henry comments "It has been wretchedly misconstrued by the church of Rome for the support of their monstrous doctrine of transubstantiation, which gives the lie to our senses, contradicts the nature of a sacrament, and overthrows all convincing evidence. They, like these Jews here, understand it of a corporal and carnal eating of Christ's body, like Nicodemus, ch. 3, 4. The Lord's supper was not yet instituted, and therefore it could have no reference to that; it is a spiritual eating and drinking that is here spoken of, not a sacramental.”

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well said.

-Carolyn

Doug Evans said...

wretchedly misconstrued... monstrous doctrine... Matthew hit the nail on the head