Question 138: What is the outward and visible sign in the Eucharist?

Answer:

The outward and visible sign in the Eucharist is bread and wine, which the Lord commanded us to receive. These elements, set apart by His Word and Spirit, are signs of Christ’s Body and Blood and convey His grace to all who partake in faith. (Matthew 26:26–28, 1 Corinthians 10:16, 1 Corinthians 11:23–26)

Full Scripture References

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” — Matthew 26:26–28 (BSB)

“Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” — 1 Corinthians 10:16 (BSB)

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way, after supper, He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood…’” — 1 Corinthians 11:23–25 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The outward and visible sign in the Eucharist is the bread and wine, which Jesus Himself used and consecrated when He instituted the sacrament at the Last Supper. These common elements, once blessed by the Word of God and prayer, become for us the appointed signs of Christ’s Body and Blood. They are not merely symbolic but serve as real means by which Christ imparts His grace to the faithful.

Just as water is used in Baptism as the visible sign of cleansing and new birth, so bread and wine are used in the Eucharist as the visible sign of Christ’s death and resurrection life shared with His people. When received in faith, these elements communicate spiritual nourishment, communion with Christ, and unity with His Body, the Church.

Anglican teaching, as expressed in Article XXVIII of the Thirty-Nine Articles, declares that “The Supper of the Lord is a sacrament… in which the Body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten… only after a heavenly and spiritual manner.” The article affirms the real presence of Christ in the sacrament, not physically or materially, but “spiritually… and to the faith of the receiver.”

Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “The bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper are not empty signs, but powerful tokens of a present Savior. They are reminders of His sacrifice, yes—but also vehicles through which He strengthens the hearts of His people” (Knots Untied, 1874).

Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) explains, “In the Eucharist, the bread and wine are not replaced, but transformed in meaning. They remain what they are—but by God’s Word and Spirit, they become what they signify: the life of Christ given for us” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).

Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) writes, “Bread and wine are Christ’s chosen signs—visible, tangible, and shared. Through them, He feeds our souls and binds us to one another as one body” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) affirms, “When we eat the bread and drink the wine, we are not only remembering—we are receiving. The Holy Spirit takes what is natural and uses it to give what is eternal” (Eucharistic Homily, 2022).

Thus, the outward and visible sign in the Eucharist—bread and wine—is a divinely ordained means of grace. It is through these simple gifts, consecrated by Christ, that we feed on Him in our hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “The bread, when it receives the invocation of God, is no longer common bread, but the Eucharist—consisting of two realities, earthly and heavenly.” — Against Heresies, IV.18.5

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “What seems to be bread is not bread after the consecration. What seems to be wine is not wine. They are the Body and Blood of Christ, under the form of bread and wine.” — Catechetical Lectures, 22.9

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Recognize in the bread what hung on the cross; recognize in the cup what flowed from His side. They are signs, yes, but the reality is Christ Himself.” — Sermon 272

St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “We call this food Eucharist… For we do not receive it as common bread and common drink, but as Jesus Christ, who took flesh and blood for our salvation.” — First Apology, 66