RESPONSIO.

Apoc. 14:4

that they follow the Lamb wherever he goes. What, therefore, do those words signify? Christ commended the Sacrament in these words, says Augustine. Wherefore those words must be understood sacramentally, and they have the same value in the Supper as those words in Baptism, Baptism is a washing of Regeneration. Thus, therefore, Bread and wine in the Supper are Christ's Flesh and Blood, just as in Baptism Water is both the washing of our sins and the blood of Christ. Yet in Baptism, Water is so called because it is the sphragis seal of our washing and regeneration, which, even by Selneccer's witness, is absent by bodily presence through the blood of Christ: therefore, in the same way, Bread and wine are named the Flesh and blood of Christ in the Supper, because they are the sphragis seal of that communication which is indeed true but spiritual, with Christ's flesh and blood, which is also absent from the signs by bodily presence. Wherefore those words, this is my body, etc., signify this: I wish you to be most certainly persuaded that as often as you who believe in me take these signs, you truly become participants of my very body that suffered for you, and of my blood poured out for you, namely in that reason and mode by which true faith joins me to you and makes you sysōmous fellow-members of the same body. To this will of Christ, our reason (although it is ignorant of the way in which this great work is achieved) acquiesces quietly, however, and subjects itself to the obedience of Christ.

1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 5:26; Titus 3:5