Bread of Life

[InSpiritInTruth]

Jesus said in John 6:33 "For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world." So who is he? Jesus said in John 6:48 "I am that bread of life." As he also confirmed here in John 6:35 "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

So what is this bread of life? Jesus said in John 6:53-57 "Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me."

Ah, so His flesh is that bread of life. But what is his flesh, and what is that bread of life? The answer is found in He whom was made flesh. It is written in John 1:14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." So if God's Word was made flesh in Jesus, then what do we eat if we eat Jesus' flesh as he said above? That's right, we eat the bread of Life, which is also the Word of Life.

So who did the apostles see, and who did the apostles touch, and who did the apostles hear? We are also given that as well in 1 John 1:1 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;"

Yes, this is that bread of God that if a man eat he shall never hunger nor thirst again, this bread that God shall give a man shall lead to eternal life. So why do men labor so hard for that which is not meat, and for that which shall never satisfy their hunger? Labor rather for the True bread that leads to eternal life.

John 6:27 "Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

John 6:29-33[SUP]29 [/SUP]Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
[SUP]30 [/SUP]They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
[SUP]31 [/SUP]Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
[SUP]32 [/SUP]Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

[SUP]33 [/SUP]For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world

John 6:57-58
[SUP]57 [/SUP]As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
[SUP]58 [/SUP]This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

1 Corinthians 11:23-29[SUP]23 [/SUP]For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
[SUP]24 [/SUP]And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
[SUP]25 [/SUP]After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
[SUP]26 [/SUP]For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
[SUP]27 [/SUP]Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
[SUP]28 [/SUP]But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
[SUP]29 [/SUP]For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

 

[mikeuk]

The interesting thing for those who believe that the net result of this celebrated in communion is just a symbolic act.

It Is at the synagogue of capernaum John 6.5x- he tells them to eat his body and drink his blood - which so reviled them that they then said "this is a hard saying, who can hear it" because of the implied cannibalism, but rather than let them off the hook, and say "don't worry this is just an allegory, my flesh is just the word, I am not actually asking you to eat my flesh". Instead he did not back down, and scripture records he lost many disciples because of it. Would he have done that if it were just a mere symbol, or explanation of the allegory?

Then as Inspirit says, it is a direct reference to the last supper for those wondering what is is his body and blood trying to their duty as regards john 6.5x? He tells them "this is my body and blood" and they must do it in remembrance.

Later St Paul says, in reference to this breaking of bread and act of communion - that those who do in an unworthy manner eat and drink judgement unto themselves.

It is hard to reconcile all of that with communion just being a symbolic act of remembrance.
Scripturally it is clearly far more than that.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

I didn't cover the blood in the above just the Body, or Bread. Here is the meaning of the blood, or new wine.

Hebrews 12:24; “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel.” Hebrews 9:17; “For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives.”

So thus it was necessary that Jesus should go…

John 16:7; “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” But even after Jesus goes He still speaks… John 16:13; “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” John 16:14; “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.”

The Old testament was just a shadow of the New…

Hebrews 9:18; “Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.” Matthew 26:28; “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” But this blood testifies, it speaks, it is the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 19:10 “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

And the promise of the new wine

Matthew 26:29; “But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” And we see the true vine that brings forth the blood of the fruit in John 15:1; “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” And what of that day when we shall drink it a new with Him? John 14:20; “At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” Just as we cannot bring forth fruit unless we abide in Him (the vine.)

And when shall we come into His Kingdom to drink of this New wine? Luke 17:21; “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” But the new wine is not like the old, for it speaks of better things. And in order to receive the new wine you first must also be made a new vessel in Christ.

Luke 5:38; “But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.” But some still desire the old wine, because they cannot receive (hear) the new. Galatians 4:21; “Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?”
But not all can receive it, neither can they hear it, because they are yet to be made a new vessel in Christ, and made able to receive His witness (new wine) from heaven.

John 3:27; “John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” And again Jesus confirms in John 16:14; “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.”

So let us make our abode with Him, and He with us, and let us also sup with Him; partaking of that heavenly Bread of Life (which is His flesh). For it is written “That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Revelation 3:20; “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

And so let us drink, and receive the wine a new in Him, not in the manner of the old letter written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
For this is the New Covenant that speaks to our hearts and minds of better things…

Hebrews 8:10; “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:”

 

[notuptome]

The interesting thing for those who believe that the net result of this celebrated in communion is just a symbolic act.

It Is at the synagogue of capernaum John 6.5x- he tells them to eat his body and drink his blood - which so reviled them that they then said "this is a hard saying, who can hear it" because of the implied cannibalism, but rather than let them off the hook, and say "don't worry this is just an allegory, my flesh is just the word, I am not actually asking you to eat my flesh". Instead he did not back down, and scripture records he lost many disciples because of it. Would he have done that if it were just a mere symbol, or explanation of the allegory?

Then as Inspirit says, it is a direct reference to the last supper for those wondering what is is his body and blood trying to their duty as regards john 6.5x? He tells them "this is my body and blood" and they must do it in remembrance.

Later St Paul says, in reference to this breaking of bread and act of communion - that those who do in an unworthy manner eat and drink judgement unto themselves.

It is hard to reconcile all of that with communion just being a symbolic act of remembrance.
Scripturally it is clearly far more than that.

Wow you would gladly believe that God desires for you to eat human blood and flesh but you cannot accept that salvation is by grace alone.

Why is God supplying bread and not water? You can live a lot longer without bread (food) than you can without water.

Blood is for atonement and nothing else is an acceptable substitute.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[mikeuk]

Wow you would gladly believe that God desires for you to eat human blood and flesh but you cannot accept that salvation is by grace alone.

Why is God supplying bread and not water? You can live a lot longer without bread (food) than you can without water.

Blood is for atonement and nothing else is an acceptable substitute.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

Crossed wires at some point I think Roger.

I have said a couple of times I think - I believe in salvation by grace alone, I criticise those who say faith alone!, or all who think they can safely ignore any of the ordinances like commandments, all of which are stated as necessary to do, none of which are sufficient for salvation In the end we must hope and rely on grace alone to save us. But as matthew 25:37 and others point out you are being asked to do more than have faith and wait for grace. What you do with life seems to matter as well!


John 6:53 and 6:54 states it is both on body and blood are needed, so whilst catholic practice allows eucharist in one species of bread, myself I go to places, where both species are offered.

Thanks for answering.

 

[WebersHome]

-
†. John 6:54 . .Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life,

Let's say, just for the sake of conversation; that transubstantiation is the
real deal. Then according to the verse above, those who partake of it should
need to do so only once. I mean; isn't eternal life supposed to be impervious
to death and putrefaction?

========================================

 

[mikeuk]

-
†. John 6:54 . .Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life,

Let's say, just for the sake of conversation; that transubstantiation is the
real deal. Then according to the verse above, those who partake of it should
need to do so only once. I mean; isn't eternal life supposed to be impervious
to death and putrefaction?

========================================

Fascinating theological question, it had not occured to me before!
No idea what the RCC catechism says, I might even look it up and some of the references.

I can only answer that for those who of us believe the lord is truly present , they wish to have him as much as they can, since neither does the scripture put a limit on it either!

A catholic would say it is done frequently, because that was the practice of the early christians - one aspect of "tradition" which seems to be a dirty word here! but in that context I hope it wont offend anyone.

 

[Word_Swordsman]

Fascinating theological question, it had not occured to me before!
No idea what the RCC catechism says, I might even look it up and some of the references.

I can only answer that for those who of us believe the lord is truly present , they wish to have him as much as they can, since neither does the scripture put a limit on it either!

A catholic would say it is done frequently, because that was the practice of the early christians - one aspect of "tradition" which seems to be a dirty word here! but in that context I hope it wont offend anyone.

That Catholic "tradition" of transubstantiation is an abomination. Just the speaking of drinking blood or eating human flesh while Jesus was alive, a rabbi, would have been a gross violation of the Law, making Jesus a sinner, and justification for legal execution by the Jews. He could not then be savior or Lord.

 

[Word_Swordsman]

The apostles after the resurrection of Jesus, in Acts 15, prohibited ingestion of blood without excepting the blood of Jesus, continuing a very good and basic tenet of the Law. Obviously the concept Jesus had in mind was figurative of the spiritual, fully partaking of the Lord and savior Jesus. The concept is like a modern saying "I love my job so much that I live and breathe it". Such talk resulting in their running away and never coming back, understandable in the natural, seeing that even Peter couldn't grasp the idea of Jesus dying and shedding blood to be ingested.

While the educated Jews knew the figurative meaning of drinking and eating to mean the spiritual application, their opposition was that Jesus' blood or body had to them no spiritual or fleshly significance at all. So they would count that against Jesus for making a highly 'blasphemous' claim about himself, while the unlearned ran away out of consternation.

This is just one of many blasphemies in the RCC, one reason to be cautious defending the organization.

 

[mikeuk]

That Catholic "tradition" of transubstantiation is an abomination. Just the speaking of drinking blood or eating human flesh while Jesus was alive, a rabbi, would have been a gross violation of the Law, making Jesus a sinner, and justification for legal execution by the Jews. He could not then be savior or Lord.

I think you misunderstand the meaning of "tradition", most do.
Transubstantiation is a conclusion drawn from interpretation of scriptures - john 6:55 , last supper , references to eat and drink judgement, etc, and the real presence doctrine is held in greater or lesser degree by other congregations eg Anglican derivatives not just RCC. Transubstantiation a name given to the mystical process of bread becoming body, but love them or hate them the scriptures are there to see.

The apparent violation of Jewish law was apparent to those hearing at Capernaum, " this is a hard saying" but rather than back down on it, and say it was just an allegory, the bible records Jesus allowing many disciples / followers to leave him rather than alter a word of what he said, or soften the meaning. The lords supper scripture define body and blood.

At a scientific level, ( that is my background and interest ) the miracles such as buenos aires and sokolka amongst many previous show credible forensic scientists and pathologists concluding that bread samples had indeed turned to heart myocardium, complete with white cells showing that both the heart was alive and also from a body beaten, with none able to give an explanation, indeed none can see how it can be fraud either. I was thinking of presenting some of that evidence, let people make up their own minds.

So reviling it maybe certainly to Jews of the time, it would also appear to be true.