Expert: Scott Talbot - 8/26/2006

Question
Protestant vs. Catholic perspectives   How can Protestant churches say they believe the Bible literally most of the time (Jesus walking on
water, multiplication of loaves, healing people) and then when Jesus says in no uncertain terms "This is my body" it isn't considered literal any more?  The Catholics say it is His Body and they have been saying that
exact same thing for 2,000 years.

Answer
Hi, Randall. Nice to hear from you.

I believe in the literal interpretation of the Scriptures. If we do not allow the Bible to speak for itself, then we become the final authority, twisting the truth to fit our own wishes. No, I believe that, when God communicated to us through the Bible, He said what He meant to say.

What this means is that we interpret the Bible in the same way we would interpret any other piece of literature. We look for the normal understanding without trying to read anything into it. While doing this, we can allow for figures of speach.

When Jesus said, "Take and eat; this is my body" (Matthew 26:26), He was using a metaphor. Obviously, He did not intend to convey that it was His actual, physical body. It was still bread. His body was still intact. Rather, He was conveying the idea that the bread represents His body, and the cup represents His blood, so that all those observing communion would remember the sacrifice He made when He gave His life on the cross.

Jesus referred to Himself as the Rock, as Light, as the Bread of Life, the Water of Life. He was referred to as the Branch, the Lamb of God. These are all metaphors, as well, and are intended to teach us about Jesus Christ. He is not actually a rock, bread, water, a lamb. This is obvious from the context, and from a normal reading of the Scriptures.

If you like, I would be happy to discuss this or any other issue with you in further detail. I would also like to ask you a question. Do you have a PERSONAL relationship with this Jesus Christ of whom we speak? Can you remember a time that you accepted for yourself His gift of salvation through faith alone (John 1:12, 3:16, Romans 10:9-10,13)? Do you know for a fact that, if you died tonight, you would go to be with Him in heaven? If not, would you like to know?

Have a great weekend, my friend.

Scott