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NASB | John 6:56 "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 6:56 "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood [believes in Me, accepts Me as Savior] remains in Me, and I [in the same way remain] in him. |
Bible Question:
My question is about the efficacy of partaking of the Eucharist for those who would say it is no more than a symbol. What then does the Bible mean by stating those who do not 'eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood': ...have no life in yourselves. (v53) Or those who do eat [and drink]: ...one may eat of it and not die (v50) ...I will raise him up on the last day (v54) ...abides in Me, and I in him (v56) ...he will live because of Me (v57) ...will live forever (v58) I appreciate that a couple of the references are about 'eating the bread of life' (foreshadowed by physically eating manna) and some attempt could be made to spiritulaise this as having nothing to do with the Lord's Supper. But as the verses go on (verses 53 following) surely it is clear to all that Jesus is talking about eating the bread and drinking the cup of the Lord' (1 Cor 11:27). Jesus does say that His flesh is true food and true drink (v55). Anyway, my question isn't about "transubstantiation" but about Jesus claiming there is a sacramental effect in consuming His body and blood which is of paramount importance? He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has 'eternal life' and 'I will raise Him up on the last day.' Regards Dalcent |
Bible Answer: My own Baptist tradition appears to be at the other extreme from your Roman Catholic tradition, Dalcent. Many Baptists see Communion and Baptism -- the only two sacraments they recognize -- as purely symbolic. They would tend to agree with Tim's answer to your question. (I think Lutherans would be more middle-of-the-road in their response.) Personally, I agree with Tim's answer as well. However, I further believe that there is a spiritual aspect of this activity that can result in physical consequences. I base this on Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 11:30. No matter how anyone falls on this particular issue, we have to be careful when we say "mere symbolism." God takes symbolism very seriously. Certainly Moses and the Israelites learned that! Even the heathen and the pagan practice a symbolism in the act of marriage -- there are many consequences that flow out of man's ruining that symbolism. |
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Questions and/or Subjects for John 6:56 | Author | ||
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sharp | ||
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Huron | ||
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Dalcent | ||
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Morant61 | ||
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JCrichton | ||
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DocTrinsograce |