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The
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C. Spiritual presence
This is the predominant Protestant view. It acknowledges that the previous
two views have major problems and attempts to rectify them by softening
the language. It still faces the same problems as mentioned above. According
to this view, the body and blood of Christ are eaten in a mysterious
and spiritual way. By faith the elements give the same benefits as the
actual body and blood of the Lord.
D. Symbolic only
This is primarily a Baptist view. It contends that the elements merely
commemorate the sacrificial work of Christ, and their value to the participant
consists only in the bestowal of a blessing. This view faces none of
the problems above and allows for proper exegesis of the passage in
John chapter 6. This is the view that we at Little Red Book ministry
believe to be the proper one. We believe that God is consistent in His
dealings with men. This view is manifestly supported by the volume of
scripture on the subject. See Matthew 26:20–29; Mark 14:17–25;
Luke 22:14–20; 1 Corinthians 11:24–25.
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto
them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance
of me” (Luke 22:19).
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