Real Christianity

[Walter]

Do you all take “communion of saints” to be the Eucharist or the unifying nature of all who are in the Body of Christ? Im leaning towards the latter. Surprisingly this would mean the dont actually have anything on Baptism of The Lords Supper!

The communion of saints has historically always been defined as 'the unifying nature of all who are in the body of Christ' both in heaven and on earth. It has never been connected to the Eucharist.

 

[Silverhair]

Do you all take “communion of saints” to be the Eucharist or the unifying nature of all who are in the Body of Christ? Im leaning towards the latter. Surprisingly this would mean the dont actually have anything on Baptism of The Lords Supper!

As I read through Eph 4:4-6 I am drawn to the unifying nature of all who are in the Body of Christ. These verses may have been the inspiration for the last stanza.

This is where I see the last stanza pointing. We see one Spirit, one church, one body, one forgiveness, one resurrection body and eternal life.

The original composers may have had both views, Eucharist & Body of Christ, in mind when they wrote this creed as it can be understood either way.

 

[Silverhair]

The communion of saints has historically always been defined as 'the unifying nature of all who are in the body of Christ' both in heaven and on earth. It has never been connected to the Eucharist.

When you say "historically always been defined as" are you saying on the RCC or also from Eastern Orthodox and Protestant views?

 

[Psalty]

When you say "historically always been defined as" are you saying on the RCC or also from Eastern Orthodox and Protestant views?

Im guessing from the 2nd/3rd century when it was formulated is what he meant

 

[Psalty]

As I read through Eph 4:4-6 I am drawn to the unifying nature of all who are in the Body of Christ. These verses may have been the inspiration for the last stanza.

This is where I see the last stanza pointing. We see one Spirit, one church, one body, one forgiveness, one resurrection body and eternal life.

The original composers may have had both views, Eucharist & Body of Christ in mind when they wrote this creed as it can be understood either way.

I love Eph 4:13. Its a good reminder of how we all will be unified, but that we are different stages of learning and belief.

 

[Walter]

When you say "historically always been defined as" are you saying on the RCC or also from Eastern Orthodox and Protestant views?

I haven't read of other views regarding 'the communion of saints' other than this one. Catholic, Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans and most Protestants interpret the "communion of saints" in the Apostles' Creed as the spiritual fellowship of all believers, both living on earth (Church Militant) and departed in faith (Church Triumphant), united in Christ.

If there are Protestants who view this part of the Apostles Creed to pertain to the Eucharist it's news to me.

 

[Silverhair]

I haven't read of other views regarding 'the communion of saints' other than this one. Catholic, Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans and most Protestants interpret the "communion of saints" in the Apostles' Creed as the spiritual fellowship of all believers, both living on earth (Church Militant) and departed in faith (Church Triumphant), united in Christ.

If there are Protestants who view this part of the Apostles Creed to pertain to the Eucharist it's news to me.

The view is clear to me but I was curious as to your source.

I have not seen a list of verses that the composers of the creed used as their justification for what they wrote. Have you?

 

[Van]

1) What do you take lower parts of the earth to mean?

Where do most people understand hell to be?

Were you confused by the use of the word hell?

2) So what about

the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.

did you think disagrees with "everyone who believes in him may have eternal life"

It seems to me you are swallowing camels and straining gnats.

1) As you probably know, there are two very different understandings: Jesus went to Abraham's bosom, a compartment of Hades, and Jesus came to earth. In the first view, Jesus gave the gift of perfection, allowing them to enter the third heaven. In the second view, Jesus gave the spiritual gifts to born anew believers. I believe the first view is correct, but either view may be correct.

2) Hopefully most believers know about Hades and Gehenna. If people do not know that at least some of our early translations, translated both places as if they were one place, shame on those who discipled them.

3) I always object to the use of Hell, as it represents false doctrine.

4) I have no idea what others might say is the "communion of saints." Every born anew believer that ever lived is a "saint" set apart by God into the spiritually body of Christ, the one loaf of 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. I believe in the fellowship of all those called out of darkness into Christ, as spiritual siblings of each other and of Christ.

5) I believe the forgiveness of sins is accomplished by the washing of regeneration, and NOT by imputation.

6) I believe everyone believing into Christ will not perish but have everlasting life.

 

[Walter]

The view is clear to me but I was curious as to your source.

I have not seen a list of verses that the composers of the creed used as their justification for what they wrote. Have you?

The same scriptures as have previously referenced on this thread are agreed upon virtually by all who embrace the Apostles Creed to support this article of faith. All believers living on earth or in heaven are saints.

 

[Silverhair]

The same scriptures as have previously referenced on this thread are agreed upon virtually by all who embrace the Apostles Creed to support this article of faith. All believers living on earth or in heaven are saints.

Walter the list of verses found earlier in this thread {post #13} were verses that I put together.

What I would like to know is if you are aware of a list that the composers used when writing the Creed. Did they list any verses?

 

[Walter]

Walter the list of verses found earlier in this thread {post #13} were verses that I put together.

What I would like to know is if you are aware of a list that the composers used when writing the Creed. Did they list any

I am not aware of any list of Scriptures the original composers of the creed used. The canon of the NT had not been determined yet. Although scripture was read in liturgy regularly, it probably was not yet developed into chapters and verses. That was done primarily for the use within liturgy, but someone better read on Early Church liturgy should comment on when.

The creed was a response to Gnostic heresy and also was used as a profession of faith prior to baptism.