What Should I Read to Learn About the Lord’s Supper?
At Christ Reformed Church, the Lord's Supper is celebrated each Lord's Day. People often ask, "how come so frequently?"
Visiting Evangelicals will ask, "what is a sacrament? Isn't that a Roman Catholic notion?" "Why do you fence the table?" Some see this practice as judgmental, and are offended when told they need the permission of the church’s elders to join us at the table.
So, when people have questions about the Lord's Supper that go deeper than a quick explanation, I recommend the following resources
Keith Mathison's book lays out the biblical basis for understanding the Lord's Supper as the "real presence" of Christ, whose body and blood are truly received through faith (a "spiritual eating" -- to use Calvin's term).
Mathison covers the historical development of the Reformed view of the elements (bread and wine) as "sign and thing signified." Mathison also discusses the Roman, Lutheran, and Zwinglian views of the Supper, in dialogue with Calvin's notion of "real presence."
Practical matters (i.e., frequency of the Supper) are also discussed.
This is the best single book on the Supper to date.
Given for You: Reclaiming Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper
Calvin's view of the Lord's Supper is well worth taking the time to read and digest.
This volume (an anthology) contains two of Calvin's most important treatises on the Supper ("A Short Treatise on the Lord's Supper" and "The Clear Explanation of Sound Doctrine Concerning the True Partaking of the Flesh and Blood of Christ in the Holy Supper"), along with a number of other important works (the Genevan Catechism, Calvin's "Reply" to Cardinal Sadolet, The Necessity of Reforming the Church).
It is always good to read Calvin! But he is especially helpful on the Lord's Supper. John Calvin: Theological Treaties
This is perhaps my favorite book from Dr. Horton (his recent two volume set on justification is also a contender). Mike discusses the "means of grace" (word and sacrament) in dialogue with a number of contemporary competitors (i.e., Rome and Eastern Orthodoxy).
Mike develops and defends of idea of a "word and sacrament" church--the foundation of all that we do on the Lord's Day.
This is must reading! (note: it is not as technical as earlier volumes in this series)
I wrote an essay defending the frequent celebration of the Lord's Supper in Always Reformed (a festschrift for Dr. Godfrey)