How Readest Thou? by J. N. Quinn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jul 11, 1912

"How Readest Thou?"

By J. N. Quinn

J. N. QUINN

THE interpretation given by the Roman Catholic Church to the statements made by Jesus Christ when he instituted the communion service, "This is my body," "This is my blood," is that the bread and the wine used in the sacrament are the body and blood, the soul and divinity of the Son of God, the transformation of the elements occurring when the words of consecration are uttered by the priest.

Let us apply the same principle of interpretation to other New Testament scriptures, and note the conclusion which must be reached: "For we are members of his [Christ's] body, of his flesh, and of his bones." Eph. 5:30. "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." 1 Cor. 12:27. "For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread." 1 Cor. 10:17. "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." Rom. 12:5. Bone of Christ's bone, flesh of his flesh, the body of Christ and members in particular, one bread and one body, all partakers of that one bread,—these are expressions applied to believers in Christ. Applying Rome's method of interpretation to them, how can the conclusion be avoided that the believer in Christ is possessed of as much divinity as was his Master; that he is to receive the same honor; that the believer in Christ should eat his fellow believer, as we are all one bread.

Again, Christ said, "This cup is the new testament in my blood." Taking Rome's literal interpretation of "This is my body," then "This cup is the new testament," makes the cup the new covenant. A child understands what Christ meant by the expression "This cup;" so also does he know what is meant by "This is my body." Both expressions are of the same character with the truth that Jesus is the true vine. Paul makes it clear: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" 1 Cor. 10:16. Truly our communion is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ, a communion infinitely more real and more precious than the communion Rome has to offer. This communion can exist only when God through the Holy Spirit abides in the life, God "manifest in the flesh." "The flesh profiteth nothing," says the Master, "the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63. To feed upon the word of Christ is to receive his spirit and his life. Rome emphasizes the flesh, and relegates the word to obscurity.

Takoma Park, D. C.