Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 45:177 (Jan 1888)
Article: Historical Development Of The Lutheran Doctrine Of The Lord’s Supper
Author: J. W. Richard

BSac 45:177 (Jan 1887) p. 110

Historical Development Of The Lutheran Doctrine Of The Lord’s Supper

Professor J. W. Richard

D. With these antecedents we are now prepared to advance to the Colloquy of Marburg, October 1-3, 1529, which closes this period of Development.

This Colloquy was brought about by Philip, Landgrave of Hesse, for the purpose of putting an end to the Sacramentarian Controversy, and to the strifes and divisions which it had engendered. It was attended from the one side by Luther, Melanchthon, Jonas, Osiander, Brentz, Agricola; from the other, by Œcolampadius, Zwingli, Bucer, Hedio. The principal subject of dispute was the Lord’s Supper. Zwingli advanced three arguments: 1. John, 6. Christ said the flesh profiteth nothing. Therefore we must not conclude that the flesh of Christ is present in the Sacrament, because fleshly eating profiteth nothing. Luther replied that the words, The flesh profiteth nothing, must not be understood of the flesh of Christ, because he says, ‘My flesh quicken-eth;’ but of flesh without the Spirit. It is dreadful to hear that the flesh of Christ profiteth nothing. Moreover these words of Christ do not apply to the Supper. 2. That one body cannot be at the same time in different places. The body of Christ is in heaven. Luther replied that human reason neither can nor ought to judge the omnipotence of God. Zwingli replied that God does not propose to our faith things which we cannot comprehend. Luther replied: ‘The Christian doctrine has articles more incomprehensible

BSac 45:177 (Jan 1887) p. 111

and sublime, as that God became man, that this person Christ, who is true God, died.’ 3. Zwingli said that so great things cannot be brought about by wicked priests, as that the body of Christ should be present. Luther replied: It does not depend upon the merit of the priest, but upon the appointment of Christ. “This,” says Melanchthon, from whom we have condensed the above arguments and answers, “is, in a word, the sum of the colloquy: Luther persisted in his view that the true body and blood of Christ are present in the Supper. Nor would the other party depart from their opinion.”1

Fifteen articles of religion were drawn up by Luther and signed by all of both sides who were present. In fourteen of these articles they agreed. In the fifteenth, of the Lord’s Supper, they expressed their agreement in the use of both kinds, in the rejection of the Mass as a sacrifice, and in the use of the Supper. They disagreed in regard to the real presence, but prayed that Almighty God would confirm them in the true understanding. You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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