Transubstantiation

Transubstantiation

In this episode, Alex Nash and Mark Sell continue their series examining Catholic doctrines through the lens of Scripture, turning their attention to Transubstantiation — the teaching that the bread and wine of the Eucharist are miraculously transformed into the literal body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ. They begin with recent news from the Catholic world, including the Society of St. Pius X’s upcoming consecration of bishops and a Swiss diocese’s ruling on parishioners sharing consecrated hosts with their dogs. From there, they define the doctrine using Catholic sources and the Council of Trent, address claimed Eucharistic miracles, and compare transubstantiation with related views like consubstantiation, the “real presence,” and the symbolic understanding held by many evangelicals. A major portion of the episode is devoted to careful, verse-by-verse examination of the key biblical passages: John 6, Luke 22, and 1 Corinthians 10–11. Alex and Mark explain why they believe these texts point to a spiritual, symbolic, and memorial observance rather than a literal change in substance — while emphasizing the deep reverence believers should have for the Lord’s Supper as a proclamation of Christ’s death. They also discuss the historical development of the doctrine, insights from the Church Fathers, and the broader implications of transubstantiation, including Eucharistic adoration, processions, and the practical consequences of believing the elements remain the physical presence of Christ. As always, the conversation is grounded in Scripture, respectful yet direct, and aimed at helping listeners clearly understand what the Bible teaches on this important subject. Tune in for a thoughtful, biblically-centered exploration of one of Catholicism’s most distinctive doctrines. Next episode: Baptismal Regeneration.

The Catholic Mass Through Protestant Eyes: Sacrifice, System, and the Finished Work of Christ with Mark Sell

In this episode of the Acts242 Podcast, Alex Nash is joined again by Mark to examine the Catholic Mass from a Protestant viewpoint. What exactly is the Mass? How did it develop historically, and what does it teach about salvation, sacrifice, and grace? Drawing from Scripture and church history, they explore the theological foundations of the Mass—including its connection to transubstantiation (discussed more fully in the next episode), purgatory, indulgences, and the idea of the Mass as a propitiatory sacrifice. They contrast these teachings with the biblical doctrine of the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and the believer’s lasting peace with God through faith alone. Topics include: * The historical shift from New Testament simplicity to ritual and works-based systems * The meaning of “the breaking of bread” in Acts 2:42 versus the developed doctrine of the Mass * Why the Mass cannot be the same sacrifice as Calvary * The assurance of salvation versus the uncertainty of sacramental grace * God’s love, the finished work of Christ, and the peace that comes from looking to Him alone This episode is a thoughtful, Scripture-centered discussion calling listeners back to the simplicity and power of the gospel: salvation by grace through faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ. Key verses: Hebrews 10, Romans 8:1, Romans 5:1, John 5:24, and more. Whether you’re Protestant, Catholic, or simply curious about Christian worship and doctrine, this conversation offers clarity on one of the most significant differences between Protestant and Catholic theology. Subscribe for more biblical teaching rooted in Acts 2:42 — the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

On praying to Mary with Mark Sell

This episode covers praying to the saints and especially to Mary and whether or no it is an acceptable practice.

The Apparitions (appearings) of Mary throughout History

The apparitions of Mary are a phenomenon that is going on today. There are some people who, every day, believe that they see a vision of the action person of Mary the mother of the Lord Jesus and interact with her. They ask her questions, she speaks with them, she reveals secrets and prophecies. What are we to make of something so apparently supernatural and so thoroughly Catholic? Mark Sell and I take a moment to discuss this important subject on this episode of Acts242.

Believe This or Be Damned? The Dangerous Dogmas of Mary

The Catholic church requires belief in four "dogmas" about Mary the mother of the Lord Jesus in order to be saved. They are as follows: 1. Mary is the Mother of God 2. Mary was perptually a virgin 3. Mary had an Immaculate Conception 4. Mary was bodily assumed up into heaven at the end of her life. This podcast shows what a Catholic believes about these dogmas and how they would be defended from scripture. We then go on to see what the rest of the Word of God says about this subject and seek to show how these dogmas lead to worship of Mary which is in essense idolatry. If you want to contact either Mark or myself please send an email to acts242podcast@gmail.com.