Q. 78. Do then the bread and wine become the very body and blood of Christ?

Question. Do then the bread and wine become the very body and blood of Christ?

Answer. Not at all; but as the water in baptism is not changed into the blood of Christ, neither is the washing away of sin itself, being only the sign and confirmation thereof appointed of God (1 Pet. 3;21); so the bread of the Lord’s supper is not changed into the very body of Christ, though, agreeably to the nature and properties of sacraments, it is called the body of Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 10;16).

Proofs.

[proof-1] 1 Pet. 3;21.—The like figure whereunto, even baptism doth also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.— Acts 8;36.—Acts 10;47.—Matt. 26;26.
[proof-2] 1 Cor. 10;16.—The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ.—1 Cor. 11;23, 26.—Gen. 17;10.—Ex. 12;11.—Acts 7;8.—Acts 22;16.