It’s Only a Symbol

One of the staples of Baptist piety is that the Lord’s Supper is “only a symbol” or “just a symbol.” So, every time that gospels are quoted saying,

Mark 14:22-24 ESV  And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” (23)  And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it.  (24)  And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.

one might receive a stern reminder, “this is just a symbol.”

I understand why Baptists do that, but I think that they’re mistaken in so doing.

Here is a thought experiment:

Think about a stop sign. It is just a symbol? Or is the authority it represents merely symbolically defended by the local government? Will the, “it’s just a symbol for the need to stop” defense work in court for those who do not stop?

Similarly, is a letter from a dear friend merely a symbol for your friend’s love or a mediated example of your friend’s love as well?

Are marriage vows merely a symbol, because they are words?

The iconoclasm and direct correction of Roman Catholic dogma concerning the sacrament is understandable, but it is wrong headed. The Lord’s Supper, by virtue of its institution by Jesus himself, has all of his authority behind it and thus his presence is mediated in the event of taking the Supper. The body of Christ, the church, mediates God’s presence to each member who partakes of the bread which is called the body. The symbol is that the bread, though bread, is taken to remember Jesus’ death despite its being bread. The symbol is that not, “this is merely bread therefore Jesus has nothing to do with it because it is bread.” The bread, is meant to be taken as a way to receive blessings because Jesus commanded us to take it and eat it. And Jesus makes it clear that following his commands is precisely how we receive his blessings.

So, my point is that the Lord promised to be with his people as they made disciples until the end of the age (Matthew 28:16-20). Why would that be less true during the Lord’s Supper than during other times? The best answer many Bible based Christians can give is: because that’s what we traditionally have said.