Lord's Supper: Eternal Word in Broken Bread

“Clearly written, this little book should encourage and challenge its readers—church officers, lay persons, study and discussion groups—to a better understanding of and, much needed today, a higher regard for the blessings spread before the church at the table of the Lord.”

“In their legitimate interest in preaching and the Word, American Presbyterians have never been known for having a well-developed sacramental theology or for giving the sacraments a central place in worship. Robert Letham begins to remedy this fault in this very effective introduction to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Accessible for laymen and laywomen, it should also be read by pastors and elders.”

“Letham's volume covers critical exegetical, theological, and historical perspectives in understanding the nature and significance of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Clearly written and cogently argued, Letham issues a call to a renewed hunger for the Lord's Supper. The first section of the book deals with the exegetical foundations of the sacrament. Letham argues on the basis of John 6:47-58, 1 Corinthians 10-1, and other passages that the Lord's Supper is (1) a memorial which reminds the church of Christ's death by crucifixion, (2) a proclamation of the Gospel of Christ as the resurrected Savior, and (3) a communion in the body and blood of the Lord. As such, the Lord's Supper must be received by faith. When received by faith, the Lord's Supper strengthens and deepens union and communion with the living Christ and confirms the believing participant in the life of the triune God. When accompanying the preached Word and received by faith, then, the Lord's Supper both signifies and seals the blessings of the Gospel. From an historical perspective, the author outlines the three options regarding the sacramental union of sign and the thing signified: physical presence, physical absence, and spiritual presence. Letham concludes this study with a consideration of Calvin and the Westminster Standards, including a helpful analysis and refutation of paedo-communion. This ought to be widely read and consulted, and is particularly useful for Sunday school classes”