Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

2 3 2 /

T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

blood, in fact, they are revolted by this idea. Therefore Christ’s flesh and blood are set before us to be taken under the appearances of those things which are of frequent use, namely bread and wine. Secondly, if we ate our Lord under his proper appearance, this sacrament would be ridiculed by unbelievers. Thirdly, in order that, while we take the Lord’s body and blood invisibly, this fact may avail toward the merit of Faith.

~ Thomas Aquinas. Summa Theologiae (1265).

What is true concerning Christ is also true concerning the sacrament. In order for the divinity to dwell in a human body, it is not necessary for the human nature to be transubstantiated and the divinity contained under the accidents of the human nature. Both natures are simply there in their entirety and it is true to say: ‘This man is God; this God is man. . . .’ In the same way it is not necessary in the sacrament that the bread and wine be transubstantiated and that Christ be contained under their accidents in order that a real body and real blood may be present. But both remain there at the same time, and it is truly said, ‘This bread is my body; this wine is my blood,’ and vice versa. “On this we take our stand, and we also believe and teach that in the Supper we eat and take to ourselves Christ’s body truly and physically.” While [Luther] acknowledged the mystery, he was certain of the fact of Christ’s real corporeal presence inasmuch as he had said when he instituted the Supper, “This is my body.” If Scripture cannot be taken literally here, it cannot be believed anywhere, Luther held, and we are on the way to “the virtual denial of Christ, God, and everything.” (Works, XXXVII, 29, 53) ~ Martin Luther. The Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520).

18 Page 56 Outline Point IV-E-2

~ M. E. Osterhaven. Quoting Luther in “Lord’s Supper, Views of.” Evangelical Dictionary of Theology . Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984. p. 655.

In these questions, you will find the focus is upon mastering the data and the facts associated with the claims made in the first video segment. Concentrate on ensuring that the students understand the answers in light of the lesson aims of the first

19 Page 59 Student Questions and Response