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How do we know that the bread and wine are symbolic in the Lord's Supper?

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The bread and wine in the Lord's Supper are symbolic as Jesus said, 'This is my body' and 'This is my blood', indicating representation.

In the establishment of the Lord's Supper, Jesus clearly indicates the symbolic nature of the elements. When He declares, 'This is my body' and 'This is my blood', He signifies that the bread and wine represent His body and blood rather than physically transforming into them. This interpretation is consistent with the use of symbolism throughout Scripture, where something is often said to be what it represents without implying a literal transformation. The unleavened bread symbolizes His sinless body, while the wine represents His precious blood shed for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:26-28). Misunderstanding this symbolism has led to significant theological errors and divisions, thus emphasizing the need to adhere to the biblical understanding of the sacrament.
Scripture References: Matthew 26:26-28, 1 Corinthians 11:24

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