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First Corinthians 11
Some proponents of the Eucharist argue that First Corinthians 11 supports
transubstantiation. They refer to verse 29 that states: “For he who eats and drinks in
an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s
body.” A thorough read of First Corinthians 11, reveals that the Corinthians were
not making the proper distinction between Communion and common meals. Not
discerning the Lord’s body meant not discerning in the bread and wine the symbols
of Christ’s body and blood, but partaking of them irreverently, as if it were a
common feast.
It is evident that this was the leading offense of the Corinthians. Those who were
eating and drinking in an unworthy manner were getting drunk and selfishly eating
before others in the body of Christ. Paul states this as the problem in verses 20 and
21. There is no indication that the apostle Paul believed in or taught
transubstantiation.
In fact, Paul repeatedly refers to the blessed bread as normal bread after it had
been blessed. 19 Paul states in verse 26—“For as often as you eat this bread and drink
this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”
Notice also that Paul explains that we are to celebrate the Lord’s Supper “till He
comes”. The words “till He comes” pre-supposes that the Lord has ascended on
high. 20 Therefore the Lord’s Supper is in remembrance of His death and resurrection
until He returns. This agrees with what Jesus ordained when He said, “Do this in
remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).
Finally, it is apparent that First Corinthians 11 uses figurative language to
describe Communion. The cup is referred to figuratively: “This cup is the new
covenant in My blood…” (1 Corinthians 11:25). Of course the cup was not the actual
covenant but symbolic of it. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup,
you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Surely we are
not to drink the cup. This is a figurative reference to the wine inside the cup