What is the spiritual presence view of the Lord’s Supper?

Answer

The concept of “spiritual presence” in relation to the Lord’s Supper signifies that Jesus is present spiritually (but not physically) during communion. This perspective can be best understood when contrasted with other viewpoints on the presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper.

The traditional Roman Catholic belief is in transubstantiation, also known as the “real presence” doctrine. According to this belief, when the priest declares the words “this is my body” over the bread and raises the cup, the elements are transformed into the actual body and blood of the Lord. This transformation is not perceptible to the senses; in other words, the bread and wine still appear and taste like bread and wine, but they truly represent the body and blood of the Lord and should be revered as such.

Martin Luther adhered to a position known as consubstantiation, where the body and blood are physically present alongside the elements. The elements themselves do not alter, and the body and blood cannot be distinguished by taste, but in a genuine, physical manner, the body and blood of Christ are present.

Most Protestants today uphold the belief in the spiritual presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. The elements do not undergo any change or become the body and blood of the Lord in any manner. Instead, the elements symbolize His body and blood. Although Jesus did say, “This is my body” and “This is my blood,” it was within the context of a Passover meal where each element held symbolic significance. It would have been inappropriate for the disciples to suddenly interpret these statements literally—especially since Jesus had not yet been crucified.

When we partake in communion today, we acknowledge that the elements are more than mere symbols of a past event. Whenever we assemble to observe the Lord’s Supper, Christ is spiritually present among us. It is not solely His memory that is present; He is truly in our midst.

Congregation. The emphasis is on His presence within the worshiping body, not within the elements of the table. The believer communes with the Lord through the act of remembrance and worship.

First Corinthians 11:23–26: “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”