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The Lord's Supper: Answers to Common Questions
As Jesus was celebrating His final Passover meal, He made some bold statements. First, He took the bread and said, This is my body. Then He took the cup, saying, This is my blood. Next, He commanded the disciples to eat and drink in remembrance of Him. What did Jesus mean? Do the bread and wine literally become His body and blood? What happens when Christians take the Lord’s Supper? In The Lord’s Answers to Common Questions , Dr. Keith A. Mathison walks through these questions and several others to help us better understand this sacrament. Far from being an empty ritual, the Lord’s Supper is a means of grace, a source of spiritual nourishment, and true communion with Christ and His church.
99 pages, Paperback
Published August 13, 2019
22 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Keith A. Mathison
18 books57 followersDr. Keith A. Mathison is associate editor of Tabletalk magazine. He is also academic dean and professor of systematic theology at Reformation Bible College in Sanford, Fla., and author of From Age to Age: The Unfolding of Biblical Eschatology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 8, 2019
The Lord's Supper is a God-ordained means of grace. It is something that the Lord Himself has provided for our spiritual nourishment, just as He has provided the preaching of the Word.
The Lord's Supper is a Christian Sacrament that is done in Christian Churches all over the world. The Catholics and Protestants have a different understanding of the bread and wine. There is a difference in churches in the frequency of the meal and also the solemnity of when the meal is taken. I appreciated this study on the meal because I do appreciate what the meal represents and how I engage in the Gospel of Christ by taking it. The text will give history of the church in taking of the meal and the differences among denominations. It will also give you a better understanding of the meal itself and that when you take of the meal, you will see the meal as a way of worship and knowing God.
Highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to Reformation Trust Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
The Lord's Supper is a Christian Sacrament that is done in Christian Churches all over the world. The Catholics and Protestants have a different understanding of the bread and wine. There is a difference in churches in the frequency of the meal and also the solemnity of when the meal is taken. I appreciated this study on the meal because I do appreciate what the meal represents and how I engage in the Gospel of Christ by taking it. The text will give history of the church in taking of the meal and the differences among denominations. It will also give you a better understanding of the meal itself and that when you take of the meal, you will see the meal as a way of worship and knowing God.
Highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to Reformation Trust Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
July 17, 2021
Super helpful read for me as I’ve been interested in the topic of the Lord’s supper. Mathison answers common questions regarding the sacrament, and he holds to Calvin’s view of the sacrament. Christ is spiritually present in the sacrament though he isn’t and cannot be physically there. He stresses that the sacrament of the communion is intertwined and parallel to the Passover.
February 25, 2020
“The Lord’s Supper is a God-ordained means of grace. It is something that the Lord Himself has provided for our spiritual nourishment, just as He has provided the preaching of the Word.”
“The Lord’s Supper becomes less meaningful and significant only when we fail to truly understand its meaning and significance.”
- Keith A. Mathison
“The Lord’s Supper becomes less meaningful and significant only when we fail to truly understand its meaning and significance.”
- Keith A. Mathison
July 21, 2019
A very useful little book, answering common questions about the Lord's Supper in a clear, straightforward fashion. This is the kind of book that would be very helpful in the hands of a new member of a church, in particular someone who is entirely new to the church.
September 14, 2021
This is a very good and informative book. It cleared up my questions and concerns.
May 6, 2025
not as good as its baptism counterpart.
though im sure some sacrifices are inevitable for the sake of simplicity and brevity, i felt that this was overdone in many chapters, to the point where the author was not able to argue for his own position. many of the chapters are spent refuting other positions without sufficiently explaining and backing the historic, reformed position to many of the common questions that come up in regards to the Lord's supper. this was most evident in the chapter regarding the Lord's presence in the sacrament. he assumes that the reader already has a bent towards the presence of the Lord in the sacrament in some way, and then simply refutes consubstantiation and transubstantiation.
that being said, i think this booklet serves as a decent overview of the Lord's supper and is helpful in exposing the reader to the broad scope of beliefs held by other churches and denominations.
though im sure some sacrifices are inevitable for the sake of simplicity and brevity, i felt that this was overdone in many chapters, to the point where the author was not able to argue for his own position. many of the chapters are spent refuting other positions without sufficiently explaining and backing the historic, reformed position to many of the common questions that come up in regards to the Lord's supper. this was most evident in the chapter regarding the Lord's presence in the sacrament. he assumes that the reader already has a bent towards the presence of the Lord in the sacrament in some way, and then simply refutes consubstantiation and transubstantiation.
that being said, i think this booklet serves as a decent overview of the Lord's supper and is helpful in exposing the reader to the broad scope of beliefs held by other churches and denominations.
February 29, 2020
This is an excellent short book on the Lord's Supper, well-suited for distributing to church members. Readers will walk away with a better understanding of the different views of the Supper among Christians, as well as a deeper appreciation when they partake of the sacrament. The Lord's Supper is often neglected by modern Protestants, and this is likely due to a deficient theology. Mathison advocates Calvin's view that the Supper is more than a mere memorial, as we commune with the risen Christ through faith when we eat the bread and drink the wine. (He has a longer book on this subject, "Given for You: Reclaiming Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper.") He critiques both the Lutheran and Catholic views throughout the book.
Mathison addresses very practical questions in the last few chapters—What are the proper elements? How frequently should the Supper be observed? Should children partake? Mathison provides strong arguments for using the elements that Jesus used (bread and wine, not grape juice), as well as celebrating the Supper weekly (which stems from his Calvinist view of the Supper). He argues against paedocommunion but also gives reasons for churches to allow young children to profess faith and partake of the Supper at a young age.
Mathison addresses very practical questions in the last few chapters—What are the proper elements? How frequently should the Supper be observed? Should children partake? Mathison provides strong arguments for using the elements that Jesus used (bread and wine, not grape juice), as well as celebrating the Supper weekly (which stems from his Calvinist view of the Supper). He argues against paedocommunion but also gives reasons for churches to allow young children to profess faith and partake of the Supper at a young age.
April 5, 2022
The Lord's Supper has fallen on hard times, even in the hands of its friends. Either through neglect or misunderstanding, Christians are not receiving the nourishment they need through this vital means of grace.
Mathison, using a Q&A format, gets to the heart of the salient issues regarding the Lord's Supper. What it is, what it means for the Christian, even the question of how often we should observe it - all covered succinctly, Biblically and historically from a competent guide in this field.
It's brief which means it won't answer all your questions but for those, I would recommend Mathison's larger work Given For You which explores Calvin's doctrine of the Lord's Supper and gets into more details.
All in all, I enjoyed this little guide and would heartily commend it to anyone wanting to get started.
Mathison, using a Q&A format, gets to the heart of the salient issues regarding the Lord's Supper. What it is, what it means for the Christian, even the question of how often we should observe it - all covered succinctly, Biblically and historically from a competent guide in this field.
It's brief which means it won't answer all your questions but for those, I would recommend Mathison's larger work Given For You which explores Calvin's doctrine of the Lord's Supper and gets into more details.
All in all, I enjoyed this little guide and would heartily commend it to anyone wanting to get started.
March 28, 2022
Excellent! Needs a bit more paedocommunion, but this is a wonderful resource.
July 22, 2023
I like the question and answer format.
May 11, 2025
I understand now why my two older children love having Dr. Mathison as a professor. He is truly gifted at teaching and explaining. This is the best explanation of the Lord's Supper I have heard. Very helpful book in its exposition as well as its brevity.
May 29, 2025
excellent, thorough handling of the topic in a simple-to-understand text. Definitely one worth reading with a group or individually
August 20, 2019
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
There were many laudable things about Mathison's Given for You: Reclaiming Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper (P & R Publishing, 2002), one of the personal highlights was the final chapter, "Practical Issues and Debates." This new release from Reformation Trust takes the same impulses that were behind that chapter (and the rest of the book) and delivers a concise introduction to the Reformed doctrine of the Lord's Supper, looking at the doctrinal landscape, a survey of the relevant passages, and some pressing questions (both theological and practical) for those with little background in the Sacrament, or those who wish to have their understanding sharpened.
Because the chapter titles represent just what you get in this book, let me post them:
The first two chapters cover the ground that a lot of books on the subject do—every author (and reader) need to start with the basics in view, and Mathison handles a survey these ideas very capably.
Chapter 3 is honestly not something I've considered before (at least not in a lot of detail)—after all, when else could the Last Supper have been held? But I'm glad he covered this idea, and it gave me a good perspective on redemptive-historical place of the sacrament instituted that night.
Chapters 4 and 5 are very helpful and clear while guiding the reader through the passages in question. He doesn't get too technical with the passages (due to space and the focus of the book), but is efficient enough in his explanation that he provides a solid grounding for further study and meditation. I particularly appreciated that in Chapter 5, Mathison is careful to point out that not only does the sacrament look back ("Do this in remembrance"), but it looks forward in eschatological hope to the consummation.
Chapter 6 is obviously going to be controversial and might cause problems for many. Mathison is irenic, yet he doesn't waver from his position (or provide much wiggle room for those who might disagree). Carefully building on the aforementioned texts and the Niceno-Chalcedonian doctrine concerning the person of Christ, he then explains the teachings of the magisterial Reformers (the non-Lutheran ones, anyway) in a way relevant to today's believer.
Like Chapter 6, Chapter 9 covers ground that he focused on in the longer previous work—and those who want more on those subjects have a ready resource in his work. What's here is a great start, but it's not everything Mathison has to say on the ideas.
Chapter 10 is pure gold, it's one of the best things I've read this year. It's helpful and encouraging (and, yes, a little challenging)—worth the purchase price alone.
Overall the writing is clear—easy enough for anyone to approach and understand, while not losing the depth and rigor necessary when dealing with something as important as this. Mathison cites other authors (contemporary and historical) to help (and the footnotes provide great fodder for further study), but shoulders most of the work himself. If you've never read Mathison, this is a good way to see one of his strengths is always taking complex ideas and presenting them in an accessible fashion.
I have two complaints—neither are enough to keep me from recommending the book, and possibly gifting it—but they're things that bugged me. Brevity. It's just too short, it doesn't have to be as long as Given for You, but each chapter could be just a little longer and more developed.
The second complaint (semi-related) is the lack of a conclusion, just a page or two of wrap-up, an exhortation to use these answers—something. It just ends abruptly after Chapter 11, and the absence of anything else was a deafening silence.
Those a great resource for those with questions about the Reformed position on the sacrament. Like Guy Prentiss Waters' The Lord's Supper as the Sign and Meal of the New Covenant from last year, it's a great introductory work and would make a great companion to it, the two would round out each other. Mathison helps to deal with practical and theoretical issues that young believers, or believers new to the Reformed tradition, stumble on and struggle with. Faithful, helpful, wise, and encouraging, this book is a great help and you'd do well to check it out.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Reformation Trust Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this, I appreciate the opportunity, but not enough to change my opinion of the book.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
There were many laudable things about Mathison's Given for You: Reclaiming Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper (P & R Publishing, 2002), one of the personal highlights was the final chapter, "Practical Issues and Debates." This new release from Reformation Trust takes the same impulses that were behind that chapter (and the rest of the book) and delivers a concise introduction to the Reformed doctrine of the Lord's Supper, looking at the doctrinal landscape, a survey of the relevant passages, and some pressing questions (both theological and practical) for those with little background in the Sacrament, or those who wish to have their understanding sharpened.
Because the chapter titles represent just what you get in this book, let me post them:
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 In 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?
The first two chapters cover the ground that a lot of books on the subject do—every author (and reader) need to start with the basics in view, and Mathison handles a survey these ideas very capably.
Chapter 3 is honestly not something I've considered before (at least not in a lot of detail)—after all, when else could the Last Supper have been held? But I'm glad he covered this idea, and it gave me a good perspective on redemptive-historical place of the sacrament instituted that night.
Chapters 4 and 5 are very helpful and clear while guiding the reader through the passages in question. He doesn't get too technical with the passages (due to space and the focus of the book), but is efficient enough in his explanation that he provides a solid grounding for further study and meditation. I particularly appreciated that in Chapter 5, Mathison is careful to point out that not only does the sacrament look back ("Do this in remembrance"), but it looks forward in eschatological hope to the consummation.
Chapter 6 is obviously going to be controversial and might cause problems for many. Mathison is irenic, yet he doesn't waver from his position (or provide much wiggle room for those who might disagree). Carefully building on the aforementioned texts and the Niceno-Chalcedonian doctrine concerning the person of Christ, he then explains the teachings of the magisterial Reformers (the non-Lutheran ones, anyway) in a way relevant to today's believer.
Like Chapter 6, Chapter 9 covers ground that he focused on in the longer previous work—and those who want more on those subjects have a ready resource in his work. What's here is a great start, but it's not everything Mathison has to say on the ideas.
Chapter 10 is pure gold, it's one of the best things I've read this year. It's helpful and encouraging (and, yes, a little challenging)—worth the purchase price alone.
Overall the writing is clear—easy enough for anyone to approach and understand, while not losing the depth and rigor necessary when dealing with something as important as this. Mathison cites other authors (contemporary and historical) to help (and the footnotes provide great fodder for further study), but shoulders most of the work himself. If you've never read Mathison, this is a good way to see one of his strengths is always taking complex ideas and presenting them in an accessible fashion.
I have two complaints—neither are enough to keep me from recommending the book, and possibly gifting it—but they're things that bugged me. Brevity. It's just too short, it doesn't have to be as long as Given for You, but each chapter could be just a little longer and more developed.
The second complaint (semi-related) is the lack of a conclusion, just a page or two of wrap-up, an exhortation to use these answers—something. It just ends abruptly after Chapter 11, and the absence of anything else was a deafening silence.
Those a great resource for those with questions about the Reformed position on the sacrament. Like Guy Prentiss Waters' The Lord's Supper as the Sign and Meal of the New Covenant from last year, it's a great introductory work and would make a great companion to it, the two would round out each other. Mathison helps to deal with practical and theoretical issues that young believers, or believers new to the Reformed tradition, stumble on and struggle with. Faithful, helpful, wise, and encouraging, this book is a great help and you'd do well to check it out.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Reformation Trust Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this, I appreciate the opportunity, but not enough to change my opinion of the book.
September 20, 2019
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:
What is the Lord's Supper?
What are the Different Views of the Lord's Supper?
Why did Jesus institute the Lord's Supper on the Passover?
What did Jesus mean when He said: "This is My Body" and "This is My Blood of the Covenant?"
What does Paul teach concerning the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 10-11?
Is Jesus present at the Lord's Supper?
Is the Lord's Supper a sacrifice?
What are the elements of the Lord's Supper?
How frequently should the Lord's Supper be observed?
How should believers prepare for and partake of the Lord's Supper?
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
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.
What is the Lord's Supper?
What are the Different Views of the Lord's Supper?
Why did Jesus institute the Lord's Supper on the Passover?
What did Jesus mean when He said: "This is My Body" and "This is My Blood of the Covenant?"
What does Paul teach concerning the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 10-11?
Is Jesus present at the Lord's Supper?
Is the Lord's Supper a sacrifice?
What are the elements of the Lord's Supper?
How frequently should the Lord's Supper be observed?
How should believers prepare for and partake of the Lord's Supper?
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
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.
January 22, 2024
It was a decent introduction to the topic but left me wishing there was more depth. Obviously a book cannot be everything to everyone and if the author's goal was to give a short introduction and cover a few questions without going into detail then that's what he accomplished.
Here are a few notes, I'm not saying that I agree with or disagree with him but these were my observations:
The sections about what the supper means and the brief historical overview of the different positions was pretty good, and although he seems to argue for the Calvinistic position, he also seems like he's trying to be broad.
He doesn't go into detail on what kind of bread though he notes that there have been deep divisions on that topic (perhaps that's one of the frustrating things about the book: he teases that there is a large discussion but doesn't go into it).
He argues for "fermented wine" as what was instituted by the phrase "fruit of the vine" and dismisses grape juice primarily as being a anti-alcohol position (and anti-alcohol is unscriptural).
He doesn't discuss any different types of "wine" or what would be most suitable.
He makes no mention of any practice of a single cup or multiple cups (just didn't seem to be an issue he considered).
All in all, pretty basic Reformed doctrine of the Lord's Supper for the most part. I was edified but not wowed.
Here are a few notes, I'm not saying that I agree with or disagree with him but these were my observations:
The sections about what the supper means and the brief historical overview of the different positions was pretty good, and although he seems to argue for the Calvinistic position, he also seems like he's trying to be broad.
He doesn't go into detail on what kind of bread though he notes that there have been deep divisions on that topic (perhaps that's one of the frustrating things about the book: he teases that there is a large discussion but doesn't go into it).
He argues for "fermented wine" as what was instituted by the phrase "fruit of the vine" and dismisses grape juice primarily as being a anti-alcohol position (and anti-alcohol is unscriptural).
He doesn't discuss any different types of "wine" or what would be most suitable.
He makes no mention of any practice of a single cup or multiple cups (just didn't seem to be an issue he considered).
All in all, pretty basic Reformed doctrine of the Lord's Supper for the most part. I was edified but not wowed.
January 19, 2020
Terminology is important. How we describe something often betrays a theological or philosophical position. For example, mass, the Eucharist, communion, the breaking of bread, the Lord’s supper, are all different terms that describe the same biblical injunction and behind each term often comes a theological position. It is no surprise then as this book is entitled The Lord’s Supper we have a Reformed perspective.
In this short but informative book Mathison, professor of systematic theology at Reformation Bible College in Sanford in Florida, examines the biblical background, the theological issues, and practice behind this covenantal meal instituted by Christ.
He does so by posing and answering 11 questions in the 11 chapters.
The questions posed are as follows
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 in 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?
Mathieson is well equipped to do this as he had previously written Given for You: Reclaiming Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper (P&R, 2002).
The strength of the book is its brevity, but its brevity does not sacrifice depth. The aim of the book is ‘to help Christians better understand the doctrine and practice of the Lord’s Supper in the Reformed tradition.’ Mathieson has succeeded in this and the book will help clarify many of the questions the topic raises.
Below is a concept map summary based on chapter 11, the issue of paedocommunion.
See: https://stevebishop.blogspot.com/2020...
In this short but informative book Mathison, professor of systematic theology at Reformation Bible College in Sanford in Florida, examines the biblical background, the theological issues, and practice behind this covenantal meal instituted by Christ.
He does so by posing and answering 11 questions in the 11 chapters.
The questions posed are as follows
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 in 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?
Mathieson is well equipped to do this as he had previously written Given for You: Reclaiming Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper (P&R, 2002).
The strength of the book is its brevity, but its brevity does not sacrifice depth. The aim of the book is ‘to help Christians better understand the doctrine and practice of the Lord’s Supper in the Reformed tradition.’ Mathieson has succeeded in this and the book will help clarify many of the questions the topic raises.
Below is a concept map summary based on chapter 11, the issue of paedocommunion.
See: https://stevebishop.blogspot.com/2020...
February 27, 2022
A very helpful, concise overview of the various aspects of the Lord’s supper. Opposing viewpoints are handled respectfully yet rebutted biblically. It helped me think about some aspects of the supper that I had not before. The only thing I felt was lacking was in chapter 8: “What are the elements of the Lord’s supper?” Mathison made a good argument that we should be using wine, rather than grape juice, for the supper. He noted that one common argument for using grape juice is not to put wine in front of would-be alcoholics. He did a decent job answering this, basically discussing how it should not be a stumbling block. There is possibly more room for debate on this point than he allows. Regardless, I would have liked to seen him address this verse: “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble” (Romans 14:21).
January 6, 2023
A fast read, but should force myself to go slow. There are good nuggets of wisdom and understanding in every chapter, each of which poses a very practical question that we all likely have or have had regarding the Lord’s Supper.
I especially appreciated the authors intentionality to share multiple viewpoints in the answers to the questions. He explained each case, biblically, and lead with some good wisdom for each response.
Also, of great interest, what is the authors, detailed explanation of the Roman catholic doctrine surrounding the Lord supper, and an explanation from the Bible as to why they are errant.
All in all, this was a very helpful book and I intend to recommend it widely!
I especially appreciated the authors intentionality to share multiple viewpoints in the answers to the questions. He explained each case, biblically, and lead with some good wisdom for each response.
Also, of great interest, what is the authors, detailed explanation of the Roman catholic doctrine surrounding the Lord supper, and an explanation from the Bible as to why they are errant.
All in all, this was a very helpful book and I intend to recommend it widely!
June 5, 2020
This is an outstanding book. I feel like the title sells it short (to me it makes it seem like basic Q&A with one line answers). This was much more than I expected, as the explanations were thorough (given the size of the book).
It is short but to the point. The arguments are clear and concise. The questions addressed are the questions that people want answered.
Since the Lord's Supper is such an important part of the church, I would recommend this for everyone to read. It is worth saying that the author comes from it from the perspective of the Reformed perspective as outlined in the confessions, primarily the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms.
It is short but to the point. The arguments are clear and concise. The questions addressed are the questions that people want answered.
Since the Lord's Supper is such an important part of the church, I would recommend this for everyone to read. It is worth saying that the author comes from it from the perspective of the Reformed perspective as outlined in the confessions, primarily the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms.
May 11, 2020
Mathison writes this book in classic Reformed form, following Calvin and the broad Reformed tradition on this sacrament, Mathison explains almost everything a lay person might ask about the Lord's Supper. While not delving much into controversies, he answers the most common questions in a succinct manner. This is a book to hand to newcomers to a Reformed Church or those wanting short and succinct questions.
July 3, 2021
Solid book with a Calvinist vent
While I'm not a Calvinist, I am impressed with the degree of care the author gave this topic. I expected a more ecumenical and less instructional book. Nevertheless, well written for its intended purpose. He is biased to a certain perspective, but he does attempt fairness when explaining other points of view. a Top 5 book for dealing with this topic.
While I'm not a Calvinist, I am impressed with the degree of care the author gave this topic. I expected a more ecumenical and less instructional book. Nevertheless, well written for its intended purpose. He is biased to a certain perspective, but he does attempt fairness when explaining other points of view. a Top 5 book for dealing with this topic.
July 8, 2024
With less than 100 pages, there’s not much in depth that was going to be in this volume. It’s a good companion volume to Guy Richard on baptism. And follows much of the same suit. Does not really get deep into any of it. Mostly seeks to wet the appetite for self reflection and research both in scripture and church history. The idea here is to cause reflection and to ask yourself where are you going to get the answers that will satisfy
August 7, 2021
I've been wanting to study and read more on the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Us (protestants) do such a poor job of commemorating and partaking in this means of grace established by our Lord. I am held captive by my conscious that the Lord's Supper should be a weekly Thanksgiving. This was a wonderful introduction to the topic, and it has only inspired me further.
May 25, 2025
Mathison gives a solid expose' of the Lord's Supper from the Reformed point of view. I appreciated his insights into the institution of the Supper at the time of the Passover (ch. 3) and on how to prepare for taking communion (ch. 9). I wish he had spent more time showing the error of the memorial view instead of those of Trent.
November 27, 2019
Mildly helpful - high level overview of the various positions on the Lord’s supper. For a much better treatment I would recommend The Lords Supper by Thomas Watson or the same title by J.C Ryle. Both much more in-depth and biblically grounded.
January 26, 2020
Short and concise book and the sacrament of the Lords supper. Highly recommend if you are looking for a biblical perspective of how often, why, when, and what should be in your cup. There are multiple perspectives explained in the book with the author not being shy about which one he believes
February 20, 2023
Great Old Testament roots for his arguments. Covers other views beyond his own, but does cover what he thinks is the most Biblical position. I did disagree with his exegesis at only a couple points. Even still, he raises the most important questions. Great resource.
May 10, 2020
Fantastic. Incredibly helpful and encouraging to read.
October 30, 2021
An excellent book on the Lord’s supper. Really got me thinking.
January 24, 2022
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for something that will increase your depth of knowledge about and enjoyment of the Lord's Supper. Very accessable and yet not shallow at all.
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