[ovrtaxt]

I always thought that believers were the Body of Christ, which the bread represents. There’s no need for me to consume the literal Body of Christ, since I am that already.

[ovrtaxt]

Sorry, didn’t give references.

Rom. 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

I Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

1 Corinthians 12:12
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:27
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

Ephesians 3:6
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Eph. 4:12-13 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

[pgyanke]

Please forgive me, I don't have time to engage in debate right now. But I did want to add a comment in response to your assertion.

I always thought that believers were the Body of Christ, which the bread represents.

That's all well and good... but can you show that from the Bible? Where does it say that the "bread" represents the Christian community and not Christ Himself?

There’s no need for me to consume the literal Body of Christ, since I am that already.

You make an assertion here that even St Paul wouldn't dare make (see 1 Cor 12:12-26). The Church is the Bride of Christ (Eph, Rev) and we are members of that Body. Just as we were created from the beginning to be joined in one flesh in matrimony, so have we been joined to Christ in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb which is His Passion.

You can find seven times when Christ told His Disciples "I AM"... the door; the light of the world, et al. You can only find one instance (repeated in the Gospels) when Jesus said something else was Him and that is at the Last Supper with the bread and wine. "This is My Body..."

For the God Who spoke and light was separated from dark and all else was made... why do so many doubt that He can transubstantiate bread and wine into His own Body and Blood?

Here's a question I ask all Protestants on this subject. Did the Apostles eat the Body and Blood of Jesus? Jesus said "This is My Body..."... was it?

[markomalley]

I always thought that believers were the Body of Christ, which the bread represents.

Interesting observation...one that I hadn't heard before.

As an aside, do you recall (no peeking now), what three things were contained inside of the tabernacle in the ark of the covenant?

[Marysecretary]

Amen, overtaxt.