Bible Question: I will explainThe priest tells when he gives the holy communion that this is the body and blood of Christ for the healing of body and soul Is this true and is it mentioned in the Bible as such |
Bible Answer: Dear Tojo, I now have a chance to answer your question. However, in the haste of my response this morning, I left off one of the common views regarding the nature of Communion. There are actually four views. (Five if you count the Eastern Orthodox perspective which simply describes it as a "mystery.") I'll attempt a brief description of each view. 1. Transubstantiation This doctrine asserts that the bread and wine in Communion actually, literally, and physically transforms into the literal body and blood of Christ. This miracle is said to occur at the point of consecration by the words of the priest or bishop. 2. Consubstantiation This doctrine asserts that in Communion the body and blood of Christ exist "in substance" alongside the actual bread and wine. 3. Pneumatic This doctrine asserts that Communion entails a work of the Holy Spirit in which the believer is spiritually fed. Furthermore, it is understood to draw all believers everywhere into the unity of the universal and invisible body of Christ. 4. Memorial This doctrine asserts that Communion is symbolic. In other words, it is a commemorative activity of a local congregation in which the bread and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ. In all of the views described above, it is a great sin for an unbeliever to participate in the Last Supper. Indeed, there is a general concensus that any participating believer should be living righteously before the Lord. Speaking only from a personal perspective, I find Communion to be an exceptionally blessed component of worship. To me it is always a moving experience as I consider the great cost of my salvation. I'd encourage you to look to the Scriptures regarding Communion (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20; and 1 Corinthians 10:16-18; 11:23-25) to decide the truth for yourself. God bless you as you seek to learn more of Him. In Him, Doc |