Guy Prentiss Waters, The Lord’s Supper (Wheaton: Crossway, 2019), 127 pp.
The Lord’s Supper as the Sign and Meal of the New Covenant by Guy Prentiss Waters is another offering in the Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series, edited by Dane Ortlund and Miles Van Pelt. The aim of the series is to “connect the resurgence of biblical theology at the academic level with everyday believers.” I have eagerly devoured each volume and have benefited greatly from these short, readable works. The Lord’s Supper is no exception.
In keeping with the other books in the series, the author is writing from the unique perspective of Biblical Theology, which seeks to “build up the church by strengthening believers in their grasp of these life-giving truths.”
The Lord’s Supper begins by setting forth some basic covenantal terminology. Three aspects of a biblical covenant are explained:
- A covenant assumes an existing, elective relationship between two parties and serves the solemn ratification of that relationship.
- A covenant involves life-and-death issues.
- A covenant is a sovereign administration of promises with corresponding obligations.
The author walks readers through the various covenants in Scripture and alerts them to their overall meaning and significance.
The next area of focus is the signs, which are appointed by God. These signs direct Christ-followers to the promises of God and ultimately turn their attention to Christ and his redemptive purposes in the cross.
Covenant meals are explored which serve as visual reminders of God’s grace and faithfulness. Also, these meals enabled the people of God to cultivate relationship with him and find solace by resting in his presence.
The culmination of the book explores the Lord’s Supper, which is not only a reminder of what Christ accomplished on the cross; it is a gracious look forward into redemptive history, one that promises a glorious return of Christ and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
The Lord’s Supper is a welcome addition to the Short Studies in Biblical Theology Seriesand is sure to encourage and equip the people of God as they become more acquainted with kingdom principles and the eschatological reality of things to come.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
Veritas et Lux 