TRANSUBSTANTIATION

This word signifies "change in substance," and it reflects the Roman Catholic doctrine that in the communion service, when the priest pronounces the words, "this is my body" and "this is my blood," the communion elements (bread and fruit of the vine) turn into the "real presence" of Christ. The dogma is false, having its origin in about A.D. 1215. (a) Jesus' statement, "this is my blood" (Mt. 26:28) obviously was not a literal affirmation, for he was still alive and his blood was yet in his body. (b) The Lord's comment that the supper would be in "remembrance" of him (Lk. 22:19) clearly indicates that his literal body would not be present. (c) The drinking of actual blood would be inconsistent with later apostolic instruction (Acts 15:20, 29). (d) The transformation of the elements would require a miracle, and the days of miracles were terminated with the completion of the N.T. See MIRACLES. The Lutheran idea of "consubstantiation" is equally erroneous. This is the theory that the "real" body and blood of Jesus are co-mingled with the actual bread and fruit of the vine while the communion is being observed. There is no evidence, biblical or otherwise, for this notion.