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NASB | 1 Corinthians 10:16 Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 10:16 Is the cup of blessing which we bless [at the Lord's Supper] not a sharing in the blood of Christ? [Indeed it is.] Is the bread which we break not a sharing in the body of Christ? [Indeed it is.] |
Bible Question:
I guess this doesn't really address the scripture I am referring to. In 1Corintians 10:16 the word for bless means to consecrate with solemn prayer. Why on earth would we need to consecrate a symbol that we do not expect to have any real effect for us? The word for sharing is the word koinania. If we say that this word is only some kind of symbolic sharing and not a real presence then our understading of the presence of the Holy Spirit must also be symbolic. That would make the Church itself only symbolic. Is this what we are to believe? It seems to me that to understand the bread and wine as only symbolic elements is to mock the very presence of God. Isn't that why Paul said that some are sick or even dead? Can a symbol kill us? |
Bible Answer: Dear dschaertel, It seems that you are trying to make the Lord's supper into either full mystical transubstantiation, or a mere symbol. The scriptures support much more than a mere symbol, and never attempt to suggest a physical transmutation. Partaking in the Lord's Supper is a spiritual reality, with spiritual consequences in this life. This is imputed by the Holy Spirit when accompanied by the faith of the believer that he is participating again in the communion with Christ. It is commanded of us, and imparts true, real blessing upon those who receive in faith. In the same manner, false motives will impart real danger to the unholy partaker. However, it is not like an Indiana Jones movie, with instantaneous effect. God's timing is God's timing. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |