Contributing to the misunderstandings relative to the Lord’s Supper is the doctrine of transubstantiation. This doctrine holds that, when blessed by the priest, the bread becomes the physical body of Christ and the cup becomes the literal blood of our Savior—though the outward appearance of the bread and the fruit of the vine remain unchanged. This is an unobservable change in the substance of the communion elements according to Roman Catholic dogma. Their words “Eucharist” and “sacrament” are terms not found in the New Testament.

The Roman Catholic Church introduced this doctrine of transubstantiation about a thousand years after Christ established His church. In the Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, Sess. XIII, this doctrine is set forth: » Continue reading “What Is The Doctrine Of Transubstantiation?”

The word “denomination” means “a collection of individuals classed together under the same name; a religious sect or body having a common faith and organization, and designated by a distinctive name.” A denomination is essentially any aggregation of congregations, the sum of which is less than all of the universal church of Christ.

Denominations are commonly recognized as religious bodies known by specific names (or, doctrines, organizations, etc.). As the word is used in most Protestant literature, a denomination is any “Christian” church that believes itself to be a part of the universal church (of Christ), but only one part among many (which may differ in doctrine or practice). » Continue reading “What Caused Denominations To Come Into Existence?”