The Lord's Supper By Presbyterian John Knox [Audiobook] | International Christian Classics

"Of the Lord's Supper" is a treatise written by John Knox, the Scottish Reformer and theologian, during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. In this work, Knox expounds on the theology and practice of the Lord's Supper (also known as the Eucharist or Holy Communion) from a Reformed perspective. The Institution of the Lord's Supper: Knox begins by discussing the biblical foundation of the Lord's Supper, tracing its origins to the Last Supper that Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. He emphasizes that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ Himself as a means of grace for His followers. The Real Presence: Knox clarifies the Reformed position on the Lord's Supper regarding the real presence of Christ. He asserts that while Christ is spiritually present in the sacrament, the bread and wine remain symbols and do not undergo a literal transformation into the body and blood of Christ, as believed in some other traditions. A Memorial and Spiritual Nourishment: Knox explains that the Lord's Supper serves as a memorial of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, a way for believers to remember His atonement for their sins. He also emphasizes that the Supper is a means of spiritual nourishment for the soul, where believers partake of Christ's benefits through faith. The Right Administration: Knox addresses the proper administration of the Lord's Supper, emphasizing the importance of a qualified and faithful ministry to conduct the sacrament. He underscores the need for reverence, prayer, and the Word of God during the celebration. Exhortation to Examination: Knox encourages self-examination among those partaking in the Lord's Supper. He advises believers to examine their hearts and repent of any sins before partaking, emphasizing that the sacrament should not be taken lightly. Unity and Charity: Knox stresses the importance of unity and charity within the Christian community. He encourages believers to approach the Lord's Supper with a spirit of love and reconciliation, seeking unity with fellow Christians. Concluding Exhortation: Knox concludes his treatise with a passionate exhortation for believers to partake in the Lord's Supper with faith, gratitude, and devotion. He reminds them of the spiritual blessings that flow from this sacred ordinance. "Of the Lord's Supper" by John Knox reflects the Reformed theological perspective on the Lord's Supper during the Protestant Reformation. It emphasizes the sacrament's biblical foundation, its spiritual significance, and the need for proper administration and personal examination by those who participate. JOHN KNOX John Knox, a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation, was a Scottish clergyman and theologian who played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of Scotland and beyond. Born in 1514, Knox dedicated his life to advancing the principles of Reformed theology and advocating for religious reform in both doctrine and practice. Knox's influence can be seen through his involvement in several key events of the Reformation. He worked closely with other Reformers such as John Calvin and Heinrich Bullinger, contributing to the development of Reformed theology. Knox's involvement in the Scottish Reformation was particularly noteworthy, as he played a pivotal role in dismantling the power of the Catholic Church in Scotland and establishing Presbyterianism as the dominant form of Protestantism. His most notable work, "The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women," stirred controversy and drew attention to his strong views on the role of women in political leadership. Although this work was met with mixed reactions, it demonstrated Knox's boldness in addressing societal issues and challenging the prevailing norms of his time.