That section of John is where I derive my view of “real presence” – along with Jesus’ words at the Lord’s Supper.
I do think the words of Christ from John you point to have another dimension (and is not limited to the Eucharist); however, that’s another issue altogether. For me it is enough to know the presence is real – not just symbolic & not only spiritual but physical and actual, which is the Methodist view & has been adopted by Presbyterians (at least the PCUSA & it’s offshoots). So this would be an area where I do disagree with Calvin.
Calvin is accused of trying to infuse too much “logic” into this matter – which is actually something I agree with. The Lord’s Supper is a mystery of faith. However, I would also say the RCC has gone too far in creating philosophical concepts to explain these mysteries. To quote Tertullian, “what does Athens have to do with Jerusalem”?
Blessings
You see Sola the difference between you and me can be explained in three little words:
I don’t agree. For me Faith is not a matter of opinion or I agree or I don’t agree. Our beliefs, our sacraments are all linked to a central axis – the source.
The source is the establishment of the Church by Jesus. He appointed Peter and the Apostles to preach the good news, he gave them power “whatever you bind on earth……” “whose sins you shall forgive…….” “Make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father……” Jesus gave them a mandate. “He who listens to you listens to me” “and I tell you, you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church and the powers of death shall not prevail against it” We mustn’t forget also, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me………and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” The Church is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. Jesus always keeps his promises,
Jesus thought of everything. The Apostles were inspired. In the beginning they leaned heavily on Holy Tradition to pass on the Word and then the scriptures emanated from Tradition. The central authority of the Pope and the Magisterium is there to guide, keep us in check, teach, discern etc. They did not “invent” anything. They were guided by the Holy Spirit and are still guided by the Spirit. :clapping:
There were excesses and Luther and the other guys said No, I don’t agree and instead of joining in a counter revolution he opted out. Calvin was another guy who said “I don’t agree…… Henry VIII wanted his own way and said “I don’t agree” and declared himself the head of the church in England. Wesley was another fellow who said “I don’t agree” and so on and on and on. Each time someone didn’t agree he “planted a church” and so we see a whole plantation of churches everywhere. You also have the Mega churches and lots of hype.:whacky:
I am convinced that you are sincere and that you are part of a “sacramental” type church and my gut feeling is that you will keep on searching and maybe one day you might say “I agree”. Even if you don’t I am sure you are planting lots of good seed and that is very important.
When I think of Protestants

I often feel so pleased that they too believe in the Trinity, the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit, and a whole lot of things we believe in also. I wish sometimes that we could join forces against the darkness of this world and we will – we have to. Unity is strength!
And so my friend Sola, I am unsubscribing from this thread but I will probably come across you again on another thread.

:tiphat:
Our friend Thinks4Himself can be happy now - Ciao
