It Truly Is His Body and Blood

It Truly Is His Body and Blood

Catholics argue that when Jesus said at the Last Supper, “This is my body . . . This is my blood” (Matt. 26:26, 28), he literally meant for bread to become his body and wine his blood. But a Protestant might object: “Wait a minute. If we take the bread and wine to be...
Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

The Catholic Church teaches that baptism is “necessary for salvation” (CCC 1257). Some Protestants like to use 1 Corinthians 1:17 to claim that this teaching contradicts the Bible. Paul writes, “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not...
In Baptism, Our Sins Are Forgiven

In Baptism, Our Sins Are Forgiven

Often, Acts 2:38 is a go-to passage for Christians who want to give biblical support for the belief that baptism is more than a symbol. The verse reads: And Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness...
The Blood of the Covenant

The Blood of the Covenant

When it comes to defending the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, Catholics naturally turn to Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my...
Why Ritual is Important?

Why Ritual is Important?

Some Christians, especially those who call themselves “non-denominational,” criticize Catholicism for its rituals, especially those of the Mass. They may argue that such ritualized forms of worship were only for the Old Covenant. Since we’re in the New Covenant, we...