This Do in Remembrance of Me

by Arie Elshout

Some Christians struggle with doubts and dread the thought of participating in the Lord’s Supper for fear of taking it unworthily. In this book, Arie Elshout provides tender encouragement to such sensitive souls. Distinguishing between the assurance of faith and the assurance of sense, Elshout reminds us that weak faith is faith nonetheless. Wise pastoral counsel is also given on areas of self-examination and the distinguishing marks of true grace. Here is a helping hand extended to all who are sorry for their sins and take refuge in Christ, and a reminder that the Lord desires to comfort and refresh penitent sinners with the gospel promises of His Table.


Arie Elshout (1923–1991) served as a minister for 32 years in the Gereformeerde Gemeenten of the Netherlands, and in its sister denomination, the Netherlands Reformed Congregations of North America.


"Where can doubting Christians find reliable guidance concerning the Lord’s Supper? In a day when the professing church is full of leaders who do not know how to care for the flock, fearful souls are sure to find comfort from the pen of this proven shepherd of souls. Arie Elshout’s book was born out of the crucible of ministerial experience and furnishes a scriptural staff to lead the tossed and tempted beside quiet streams and green pastures. May it lead many to profit from the meal of which Christ said, ‘With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you’ (Luke 22:15).” - Gerald M. Bilkes, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

115 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2009

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a Dutch reformed treatment of the Lord's supper. It's a blend of introspective, puritanic pietism and expositions of confessions, catechisms, and liturgies of men more so than Scripture. There were some surprising statements here and there, like something about Christ as prophet, priest, and king and how we can receive him as one now and the others later. The Lord's supper was pushed as a sacrament that confers grace to the partakers. Elshout made a reference to Hebrews 4:16, but slipped "the Lord's table" in there where "the throne of grace" is, making that quite a different statement. I'm afraid the heavy introspectionist approach has the net effect of making the Lord's supper more about self-examination than the sacrificial death of Christ. It has some good, but there are better books on the subject.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine little work on spiritual preparation for partaking in the Lord's Supper. Written by a seasoned Reformed minister, this book presupposes Communion services that are conducted very reverently and prayerfully. He strikes a happy balance between encouraging poor doubting sinners and warning the presumptuous. He winsomely argues for taking spiritual stock when approaching the Lord's table while welcoming needy sinners with biblical promises. This books corrects unhelpful anecdotes about the severity of Continental Reformed practice and shows the way to encourage the spiritually sensitive to find their Lord readily greeting them with grace and glory at His table.