Many denominations affirm the doctrine of the [real presence of Christ in communion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_presence_of_Christ_in_the_Eucharist) , that in the communion Christ is in some sense really present in a way that is distinct from his general presence in the world and the church. In contrast, [memorialism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorialism) is the position that communion is a purely symbolic act of remembrance, such that Christ is not present any more than usual. Different denominations have different versions of the doctrine of real presence. The Westminster Confession explains the Reformed Protestant version of real presence as follows: > WCF 29.7: Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements in this sacrament, do then also inwardly by faith, really and indeed,  yet not carnally and corporally, but spiritually, receive and feed upon Christ crucified, and all benefits of his death:  the body and blood of Christ being then not corporally or carnally in, with, or under the bread and wine;  yet as really, but spiritually, present to the faith of believers in that ordinance,   as the elements themselves are to their outward senses. This seems to me to be quite a measured statement: far from the doctrines of trans/con-substantiation, and emphasising that the benefits of Christ's death are only received by faith. So do memorialists actually oppose this version of real presence, as explained in the Westminster Confession? If so, what exegetical or theological arguments lead them to reject it?

Christians often debate over if there is biblical support for the true, physical presence of Christ in communion, but is there positive biblical evidence for the other side?

The Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant denominations hold to an idea of the 'real presence' when it comes to the Eucharist. Catholics understand this in terms of 'transubstantiation', Orthodox prefer to describe what is happening more as simply a mystery, and Protestant denominations have varying views. Yet, significant Protestant denominations do not hold to the idea of the 'real presence', and instead understand the Eucharist ('the Lord's Supper') as being an ordinance that is memorial (remembering what Jesus did, also known as 'memorialism'). For example , > The American Baptist Churches USA, a mainline Baptist denomination, > believes that "The bread and cup that symbolize the broken body and > shed blood offered by Christ remind us today of God's great love for > us" Who was the earliest theologian to articulate and argue for this kind of memorial ordinance view of the Eucharist?