Theological glossary · FaithLogic

Consubstantiation

A label (which Lutherans reject as inaccurate) for the view that Christ's body and blood are present 'in, with, and under' the bread and wine, which remain bread and wine.

Latin con- ('with') + substantia.

'This is my body'; 1 Corinthians 10:16.

The term is often applied to Luther's teaching; Lutherans prefer 'sacramental union' and deny any local mixing of substances.

Christ's body is truly received by all communicants, worthy or not, without transubstantiation.

Lutherans object that 'consubstantiation' misdescribes their view; the Reformed reject a bodily presence in the elements at all.

Open in the glossary for related terms and the doctrines this concept appears in.