A Baptist Case for Real Presence in the Eucharist

In this video I define "real presence," and argue it is the predominating historic Baptist view of the Eucharist. I also distinguish it from transubstantiation and discuss in what church contexts it occurs.

Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) serves as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai.

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00:00 Introduction
01:40 Book Recommendation
02:49 1) Defining Real Presence
09:47 2) Historic Baptist Views
15:58 3) Spiritual Presence vs. Transubstantiation
26:06 4) Where Does Real Presence Occur?

[my.apologies]

“People love to dismiss baptists and sometimes we deserve it…” hahah love this topic and I’d love to see more of our Baptist brothers and sisters embracing a historical real presence view!

[oluisdepaula]

In fact, being a Baptist pastor, I need to say that many Baptists believe that grape juice transubstantiates into wine.

[benjamincagle]

As a baptist, it’s very heartwarming to hear another baptist discuss Real Presence. Sometimes it can feel like I am an island in a sea when it comes to the sacraments

[jmr]

As someone who goes to a Baptist church and works at a Baptist university, I’ve never met anyone “on the ground” who holds anything other than the memorialist view. When faced with the idea that something more like what you’re talking about is, “Historically Baptist, ” their answer is more or less that it doesn’t matter; it’s rejected as a, “Tradition of men, ” and most contemporary Baptists have no problem with rejecting almost anything the early reformers taught if they feel it’s too Catholic sounding. All this is to say that the caricature isn’t unfair at all in my experience.

[ericharrah]

I feel like Gavin's work will in time move us all back towards what it is to be Christian, a unity of Faith, in Christ, with humble submission to His word and His spirit.

[brennendavis]

As an Anglican (ex-Baptist), this is rather fascinating. I'd argue most Baptists do not view it the way you do, but its really refreshing to hear a classical Baptist understanding. I waffle between Cranmer's view and a more Anglo-Catholic understanding, but I'd agree that the mode in which Christ is present is less important than what we receive from Christ in the Eucharist.

[shawngillogly]

Sometimes I think we Evangelicals in general deny the Presence of Christ at the Table so strongly that one might wonder if we think it's the only place in Creation the Godhead is absent.

[BiblicallyDestiny]

I work in a Baptist church and have never heard anyone discuss the efficacy of baptism and the real presence of the Eucharist in this way. I’ve been wrestling with this for a while, as the Scriptures are clear that both are far greater than symbols. Thank you for your excellent explanation of the historic Baptist view. The Lord has used you to give me some credence in the Baptist perspective.

[joshuamyers]

Thank you, pastor. I'm looking forward to reading those books on historic baptist sacramentalism. As a memorialist Baptist who is currently on the fence about Christ's Real Presence in the Supper, at this point in my discerning I agree with you that a true Christian does not necessarily need to believe in Real Presence for Real Presence to occur in their partaking of the Lord's Supper, if it's true. My support for this is that Jesus knows precisely who His sheep are, and He is a very Good Shepherd to feed, nourish, and provide for them wherever they may be.

[not_milk]

I long for the day my church recognizes real presence and we can partake in proper respects to that reality. It grieves my heart to see this neglected.

[gabesmith]

Thank you for the presentation! So thankful for Jesus

[rlstamps]

Grateful for this excellent articulation of the historic Baptist view. Also grateful for the shout out to the Center for Baptist Renewal!

[legomegaman]

It was your content on this subject that opened my eyes to real presence within the eucharist, and now communion Sunday is my favorite Sunday of the month! God bless you richly.

[tategarrett]

A friend was just asking about how real presence works and I had intended to send him your earlier video on it but now I'll use this one too! Real presence is absolutely something all Protestants should embrace as a beautiful and integral part of worship.

[theepitomeministry]

Amazing as always, Dr. Ortlund! As someone within a non-denominational context, these videos are so informative and helpful for me thinking through my faith.

[ryangahman]

Saving this video to send to others who don’t understand historic baptist views. Thank you for your scholarship!

[jdl]

I love the imagery of the iron in the forge. I think also the emphasis on presence rather than changing substance also upholds the Acts 15 prohibition on consuming blood.

[JoelHaines-xkmu]

Gavin, I very much appreciate your videos. They are always clear, well constructed, and sincere. Your love for our Lord shines brightly, and His love shines through you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

[blackwater]

Thank you so much Dr. Ortlund! As a Baptist who spent time in the Episcopalian Church then back to Baptist, I sincerely missed the liturgy and the Eucharistic service. I LOVE #4! I decided I was taking Christ’s body and blood in some way even in my memorialist Baptist church. It occurred to me that what I was really doing was rejecting *sacerdotalism.* I receive the Real Presence by *faith*, even in a memorialist church, even in grape juice. I had no idea about this part of Baptist history, thank you so much again.

[SibleySteve]

One benefit of episcopal catechesis for me is having learned that while there are 2 meta sacraments only, there are unlimited missional sacraments that occur randomly in life whenever reconciliation occurs and whatever form that takes. From foot washing to marriage to last prayers for the dying to healing to charity and hospitality, almsgiving and medical service. Gods mercy endures forever.