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To: RnMomof7; third double
The Bible is forthright in declaring the Real Presence in the Eucharist (1 Cor 10:16–17, 11:23–29; and especially John 6:32–71).

And to go back to the earlier comment about historical realities, the early Church Fathers interpreted these passages literally. In summarizing the early Fathers’ teachings on Christ’s Real Presence, renowned Protestant historian of the early Church J. N. D. Kelly, writes: "Eucharistic teaching, it should be understood at the outset, was in general unquestioningly realist, i.e., the consecrated bread and wine were taken to be, and were treated and designated as, the Savior’s body and blood" (Early Christian Doctrines, 440).

Just one of dozens of writings on this subject by early church fathers:
"I have no taste for corruptible food nor for the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, who was of the seed of David; and for drink I desire his blood, which is love incorruptible" -- Ignatius, Letter to the Romans, 7:3 [A.D. 110]

Here we have Ignatius, an immediate disciple of the Apostle John, who learned at the feet of John, reaffirming the Real Presence.

The Real Presence is something that has been held as true from the very beginning of the church. Do you appreciate what that means?
65 posted on 11/04/2003 10:01:42 AM PST by polemikos (Ecce Agnus Dei)
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To: polemikos; third double; biblewonk
Acts 2.42. And they were convicted in the knowledge of the apostles, and they participated in prayer and breaking of the Eucharist*.
43. And there was submission in every soul and great signs, and heroic acts performed by the apostles in Jerusalem.
44. And all those who believed were like one [body,] and whatever they had, they shared,*
45. And those who had assets sold them and divided them, one with the other, as there was need.
46. And every day, they worshipped* in the temple in one spirit, and in the house, they spread the bounty,* and they received the message of hope as they conducted Mass, and with contrite hearts,
47. They worshipped God, as they engaged in the fellowship of grace before all the nation. And Lord Jesus Christ increased them daily, those that Lived in faith.
*2:42 Lit. Aramaic word retained: "Sacrifice from the Right [of God]" or, the Holy Communion.
*2:43 Lit. Ar. idiomatic expression: "Was for inside."
*2:46.1 Lit. Ar. idiomatic figure of speech: "Amened."
*2:46.2 Lit. Ar. expression: "Measured out the spread."

Acts 20.7. "And on Sunday, while we were gathered to break the Eucharist, Paul spoke with them, because on the following day he was destined to leave. And his speaking dragged until the middle of the night.

St. Luke 22.19. And he consecrated the bread and pledged it and broke it and gave it to them and declared.
"This is my body that I give on your behalf.
This is what you shall be doing* in your Offerings* to me.
20. And likewise also the cup, after they ate, he declared.
"This is the cup of the new covenant* in my blood
...that will be spilt on your behalf.
86 posted on 11/04/2003 10:51:09 AM PST by Hermann the Cherusker
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