On the Eucharist

On the Eucharist presents Peter Martyr Vermigli's mature teaching on the Lord's Supper, one of the most contentious issues of the Reformation era. Vermigli sought a position that avoided both Roman Catholic transubstantiation and what he saw as Zwinglian memorialism. His view of the sacrament emphasizes the spiritual reality of Christ's presence while denying physical transformation of the elements.

Vermigli begins by affirming the great importance of the Lord's Supper. It is not merely a memorial meal but a genuine means of grace through which believers receive spiritual nourishment. Christ truly offers Himself to us in the sacrament, and through faith we truly receive Him and all His benefits.

Against transubstantiation, Vermigli argues that the bread and wine do not become Christ's physical body and blood. Christ's body is in heaven at the Father's right hand and does not come down physically into the elements. The words "This is my body" are figurative, like Christ's other "I am" statements.

Yet Vermigli equally opposes treating the Supper as mere symbolism. The sacrament is not just a reminder of Christ's death but a genuine spiritual feeding. Through the mysterious working of the Holy Spirit, believers who receive the elements with faith truly receive Christ—not physically, but spiritually and really.

The key is Vermigli's concept of "spiritual presence." Christ is truly present in the Supper, but His presence is spiritual rather than physical. The Holy Spirit lifts our hearts to heaven where Christ is, enabling us to feed on Him. The elements are instruments through which this spiritual nourishment flows.

Vermigli's eucharistic theology proved influential, particularly among Reformed and Presbyterian churches. His attempt to preserve both the reality of Christ's presence and the spiritual nature of that presence continues to shape Protestant understanding. For anyone seeking to understand what happens in Communion and how to receive it with faith, Vermigli provides thoughtful guidance.