"The Lord's Supper" (Keith A. Mathison)

TITLE: The Lord's Supper: Answers to Common Questions
AUTHOR: Keith A. Mathison
PUBLISHER: Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2019, (99 pages).

Some call it the Eucharist. Others prefer to use "Holy Communion." Patterned after the gospel's record of Jesus' last supper with his disciples, it is also popularly known as "The Lord's Supper." What is it? Why do Christians celebrate it? Why is it so significant in the Church? How should Christians approach this sacrament? These questions are some of the common ones described in this book. The author shares about some of his curiosity about this topic in his early years attending Church services. When young, he simply accepted the elements and rituals as they were. Gradually, he starts asking questions about meaning and purpose of these sacraments. He recalls in Church that while there are many lessons about Christianity and the faith in the Church, the doctrine of the Lord's Supper is seldom covered or talked about. This is made more complex in the light of multiple ways of interpretation and understanding of the Holy Communion. It is hoped that this book can fill in this void. The purpose in this book according to Mathison is to "help Christians better understand the doctrine and practice of the Lord's Supper in the Reformed Tradition." In view of the many different interpretations on the significance and meaning of this sacrament, the author uses eleven big questions to guide us through this topic. The eleven big questions are:

1. What is the Lord's Supper?
2. What are the Different Views of the Lord's Supper?
3. Why did Jesus institute the Lord's Supper on the Passover?
4. What did Jesus mean when He said: "This is My Body" and "This is My Blood of the Covenant?"
5. What does Paul teach concerning the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 10-11?
6. Is Jesus present at the Lord's Supper?
7. Is the Lord's Supper a sacrifice?
8. What are the elements of the Lord's Supper?
9. How frequently should the Lord's Supper be observed?
10. How should believers prepare for and partake of the Lord's Supper?
11. Should children partake of the Lord's Supper?

As a sacrament, the Lord's Supper essentially "signifies, seals, and exhibits the benefits" of believing in Christ. Mathison takes time to explain each of these words to help us appreciate the link between the teachings in the Bible and the reason why we take the sacraments. He helps us understand the different views: Roman Catholic; the Lutheran; and the Reformed doctrines. The Lord's Supper also brings together the Old and New Testament practices of how the covenants are fulfilled. The author compares the literal and figurative meanings of the covenants.

What I like in this book is the way Mathison uses layperson language to explain the technical words. This is helpful because not all readers are theologically trained. Even the words "signifies, seals, and exhibits" are well explained rather than assumed. On top of that, he sees from the viewpoints of laypersons, people who would also be asking questions like what he did when he was younger. The author is upfront about his theological orientation, and gives a fair overview of the other theological positions pertaining to the Lord's Supper. Of course, he gives ample reasons why the Reformed doctrine is the most appropriate one to have. Nevertheless, Mathison is respectful of alternative views by coming across more like a teacher rather than a proselyte. An interesting discussion is about the use of actual wine and the associated debate over whether it is sinful or not. I like the way Mathison compares and contrasts the arguments before putting forth a fair explanation why a little alcohol is acceptable. On the frequency of the Lord's Supper, he helps us move away from legalistic adherence toward a more practical and spiritual significance.

For those wanting a clear explanation on some of the most common questions about the Lord's Supper, this guidebook should be a great primer to begin with.

Dr Keith A Mathison is professor of Systematic Theology at Reformation Bible College in Sanford, Florida. He has also served as associate editor for the Reformation Study Bible and Tabletalk magazine. He has also authored on Calvin

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Reformation Trust Publishing and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.