Recently, Prof. Jordan B. Cooper has caused an offense for the brethren (as he often does) by pointlessly accusing good shepherds of teaching falsely because they have taught the “physical presence” of Christ in the Sacrament. Putting aside how some may dislike using the term “physical presence” to express the truth that, in the Sacrament of the Altar, the bread and the wine are the body and blood of Jesus Christ, it is undeniable that all Lutheran pastors who have used the phrase “physical presence” with this meaning have certainly taught rightly.
In his defense, Prof. Cooper has appealed to Article VII of the Formula of Concord, which rejects the teaching that Christ is present in the Supper bodily, if by “bodily” one means “locally.” However, since this interpretation has never occurred to any Lutheran, Prof. Cooper shall remain, for the time being, as one who causes others to stumble, forcing doubt into the hearts of righteous Christians.
From this controversy, may we learn to follow the apostle’s advice and “test the spirits.” May we also listen to Paul’s instructions for handling controversies of this kind and those who cause them (Titus 3). Given this worthless man’s most recent wickedness, I shall soon show him to be a robber in the sheepfold (John 10), which he certainly is.
Altlutheraner 