Do Missouri Synod Lutherans Believe in Transubstantiation?
The belief in the doctrine of transubstantiation is a central tenet of the Roman Catholic Church and many Eastern Orthodox churches. However, when it comes to the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church, their stance on transubstantiation is somewhat different. This article aims to explore whether Missouri Synod Lutherans believe in transubstantiation and delve into the theological underpinnings that shape their views.
Missouri Synod Lutherans, also known as the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), adhere to the teachings of Martin Luther and the Augsburg Confession. While they hold a high view of the Lord’s Supper, they do not embrace the doctrine of transubstantiation. Instead, they hold to the belief in consubstantiation, which is often referred to as “consubstantiation by the word.”
Consubstantiation posits that Christ’s body and blood are present, not by transformation, but by a mysterious union with the elements of bread and wine. This belief is rooted in the Lutheran understanding of the word of God as the means by which the grace of Christ is conveyed to believers. According to the LCMS, when the Word is joined with the elements of the Lord’s Supper, the body and blood of Christ are present, but not in a physical, tangible form.
The Missouri Synod’s stance on transubstantiation can be traced back to their theological heritage and the writings of Martin Luther himself. In his work “The Babylonian Captivity of the Church,” Luther criticized the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, arguing that it detracted from the importance of faith and the word of God. He emphasized the necessity of faith to receive the grace of Christ, rather than relying on a physical presence of Christ in the elements.
One of the key differences between the Missouri Synod and other Lutheran denominations, such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), lies in their interpretation of the words of institution in the Lord’s Supper. The LCMS adheres to a literal interpretation of these words, which they believe indicate that the elements of bread and wine are the body and blood of Christ. This belief is supported by their strong emphasis on the authority of Scripture and the primacy of the word of God.
In conclusion, Missouri Synod Lutherans do not believe in transubstantiation. Instead, they hold to the doctrine of consubstantiation, which asserts that Christ’s body and blood are present in, with, and under the elements of bread and wine through the word of institution. This belief is rooted in their theological heritage and their commitment to the authority of Scripture and the word of God. While this stance may differ from other Lutheran denominations, it is an integral part of the Missouri Synod’s theological identity.
