EUCHARISTIC ECUMENISM

Bishop Hanson, a prominent Lutheran leader is hoping the Vatican will bring Eucharistic reunion by the year 2017 – in time for the 500 anniversary of the Reformation. But many reformers died in order to stand against the Roman Catholic view of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Has the Roman Catholic view changed?

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We are approaching the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation. Today the word “Reformation” is merely a word without meaning for most Christians. They have no idea what the Reformation was about or the fact that some of the reformers died as a result of standing up for biblical truth.

For example, author R.C. Ryle made this point clear. In a book titled “Light for Old Times, published in 1890, Ryle stated:

The point I refer to is the special reason why our reformers were burned. Great indeed would be our mistake if we supposed that they suffered in the vague charge of refusing submission to the Pope, or desiring to maintain the independence of the Church of England. Nothing of the kind! The principal reason why they were burned was because they refused one of the peculiar doctrines of the Romish church. On that doctrine, in almost every case, hinged their life or death. If they admitted it, they might live, if they refused it, they must die. The doctrine in question was the real presence of the body and blood of Christ in the consecrated elements of bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper…[1]

Now, perhaps this previous statement is meaningless to some who are listening. Let me explain in simple words what Ryle documented. He said that Reformers died during the Reformation because they refused to believe that a priest could turn a wafer into the presence of Jesus during mass.

Now of course, that was then, and such barbaric practices are not happening now. But, it is important to mention that the Roman view of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is still required to be a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

This is why I am amazed when I hear about a Lutheran Bishop promoting ecumenical unity with the Vatican focused on a Eucharistic unification. It is very clear that the Vatican has no intentions of revising their view on the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

In order for Eucharistic ecumenism to be a reality, that would mean those who are not Roman Catholic would have to become Roman Catholic by accepting that Jesus Christ is present in the communion wafer. Listen as I read to you what was declared at the Council of Trent:

If anyone denies that in the sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist are contained truly, really and substantially the body and blood together with the soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and consequently the whole Christ, but says that He is in it only as in a sign, or figure or force, let him be anathema. [2]

So, if Eucharistic ecumenism happens by the year 2017, look for a unification of the “separated brethren” with Rome. I for one will be on a road headed in the opposite direction. I believe in unity, but at the foot of the cross – the empty cross, where Jesus said as He died, “it is finished” – no more sacrifices required.

I am Roger Oakland. This has been a biblical perspective to help understand the times.

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