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Transubstantiation
What Is the Meaning of
Transubstantiation?
Explore the Roman Catholic doctrine of the consecration
of bread
By Mary Fairchild
Transubstantiation
is the official Roman Catholic teaching referring to a change that takes place
during the sacrament of Holy Communion (Eucharist).
This
change involves the whole substance of the bread and wine being turned miraculously
into the whole substance of the body and blood of Jesus Christ himself.
During
the Catholic Mass, when the Eucharistic elements -- the bread and the wine --
are consecrated by the priest, they are believed to be transformed into the
actual body and blood of Jesus Christ, while keeping only the appearance of
bread and wine.
Transubstantiation
was defined by the Roman Catholic Church at the Council of Trent:
"...
By the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the
whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord
and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This
change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called
transubstantiation." (Session XIII, chapter IV)
The
Mysterious 'Real Presence'
The term
"real presence" refers to Christ's actual presence in the bread and
the wine.
The
underlying essence of the bread and wine are believed to be changed, while they
retain only the appearance, taste, odor, and texture of bread and wine.
Catholic
doctrine holds that the Godhead is indivisible, so every particle or drop that
is changed is wholly identical in substance with the divinity, body, and blood
of the Savior:
By the
consecration the transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the Body and
Blood of Christ is brought about. Under the consecrated species of bread and
wine Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real, and
substantial manner: his Body and his Blood, with his soul and his
divinity (Council of Trent: DS 1640; 1651).
The Roman
Catholic Church does not explain how transubstantiation takes place but affirms
that it happens mysteriously, "in a way surpassing
understanding."
Literal
Interpretation of Scripture
The
doctrine of transubstantiation is based on a literal interpretation of
Scripture.
At the
Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-25; Luke 22:7-20), Jesus
was celebrating the Passover meal with the disciples:
"As they
were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces
and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take this and eat it, for
this is my body.'
"And he
took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and
said, 'Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which
confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a
sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Mark my words—I will not drink wine
again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.'" (Matthew
26:26-29, NLT)
Earlier
in John's Gospel, Jesus taught in the synagogue in Capernaum:
"’I
am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will
live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my
flesh.’
“Then the
people began arguing with each other about what he meant. ’How can this man
give us his flesh to eat?’ they asked.
“So Jesus
said again, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man
and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who
eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that
person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.’
“’Anyone
who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. I live
because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on
me will live because of me.’
“’I am
the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not
die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live
forever.’" (John 6:51-58, NLT)
Protestants
Reject Transubstantiation
Protestant
churches reject the doctrine of transubstantiation, believing the bread and the
wine are unchanged elements used only as symbols to represent Christ's body and
blood.
The
Lord's command regarding Communion in Luke 22:19 was to "do this
in remembrance of me" as a memorial of his enduring sacrifice,
which was once and for all.
Christians
who deny transubstantiation believe Jesus was using figurative language to
teach spiritual truth.
Feeding
on Jesus’ body and drinking his blood are symbolic actions. They speak of
someone receiving Christ wholeheartedly into their lives, not holding anything
back.
While
Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, and some Anglicans hold only to a form of the real
presence doctrine, transubstantiation is held exclusively by Roman Catholics.
Reformed
churches of the Calvinist view, believe in a real spiritual presence, but not
one of substance and wine
Mary Fairchild
Introduction
Christian
minister since 1988 with General Biblical Studies and Missions degrees
Full-time
writer and editor specializing in Christianity, Bible study, and Christian
living since 2005
Author
and general editor of "Stories of Calvary"
Experience
Mary
Fairchild has worked full time in Christian ministry since 1988. While in Bible
School, she worked for a major city church as the assistant to the dean of
Christian education. Next, Mary served on the foreign mission field in Brazil
from 1990-1994. Upon returning to the States, Mary became a pastoral assistant
and office manager for a large intercity church.
Mary
worked as the general editor on several Christian books and booklets for
Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg from 2006 until 2017. Recently, Mary joined the
team of writers for GotQuestions.org, where she provides responses to
questions related to the nature of God, the Scriptures, salvation, and
other spiritual topics.
Education
Mary
received a General Biblical Studies degree from an Interdenominational
Christian Training Center in Central Florida. She also holds a Missions degree
from Youth With A Mission Discipleship Training School.
Publications
"Stories
of Calvary" (2008, Winepress Publishing)
"Exposing
Samson" (General Editor, 2009, Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg)
A
Message from Mary Fairchild
As a
writer, my greatest passion is to study and expound on the Word of God.
I’ve made it my goal to offer practical, applicable resources for living the
Christian faith with authenticity in today's world. Inspired by the words
of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:12, I’ve adopted this purpose:
"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
Learn
Religions and Dotdash
Our
mission at Learn Religions is to help you explore the practices of your own
faith, understand your neighbor’s beliefs, and familiarize yourself with the
world’s major religions — regardless of your own spiritual background.
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Learn
Religions is part of the Dotdash family.
For
more than 20 years, Dotdash brands have been helping people find answers, solve
problems, and get inspired. We are one of the top-20 largest content publishers
on the Internet according to comScore, and reach more than 30% of the U.S.
population monthly. Our brands collectively have won more than 20 industry
awards in the last year alone, and recently Dotdash was named Publisher of the
Year by Digiday, a leading industry publication.
https://www.learnreligions.com/meaning-of-transubstantiation-700728
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