The Reformation of the Supper

The first person I recall hearing speak about the benefits of weekly communion was Bob Godfrey. As a novice to the Reformed faith and while still a student at Westminster Seminary California, I was beginning to learn about Calvin and his distinctive view of the sacraments when Dr. Godfrey mentioned Calvin’s preference for the frequent celebration of the Lord’s Supper and the restrictions placed upon him by the consistory of Geneva. Dr. Godfrey’s comments piqued my interest in the subject. That, in turn, eventually led to the institution of weekly communion at Christ Reformed Church in Anaheim (URCNA), a congregation which Michael Horton and I planted in 1996.

Not only is Dr. Godfrey an outstanding professor (a man of great wit and Solomonic wisdom), his passion for the gospel has left an indelible stamp on both his students and the seminary which he has so faithfully served. It is a privilege and a joy to contribute to this Festschrift in his honor.

The purpose of this essay is to offer a rationale for the frequent (weekly) celebration of the Lord’s Supper. To accomplish this purpose, I will address the biblical evidence which speaks to the frequency of the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and then consider supporting evidence from the Ante-Nicene Fathers as well as from various Reformed writers who champion frequent observation of the Lord’s Supper. I conclude this essay by discussing a number of the theological and pastoral implications of the frequent celebration of the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood.

To read the article: The Reformation of the Supper