The Lord’s Supper (De Coena Domini)

Description

Martin Chemnitz’s The Lord’s Supper (De Coena Domini) is a comprehensive theological treatise that explores the doctrine of the Eucharist from a Lutheran perspective. Written by one of the most influential Lutheran theologians of the 16th century, often called “the second Martin” after Martin Luther, this book aims to clarify and defend the Lutheran understanding of the Lord’s Supper against opposing views, particularly those of the Roman Catholic Church and Reformed theologians.

Key Themes in De Coena Domini:
Literal Interpretation of Christ’s Words of Institution:
Chemnitz emphasizes a literal understanding of Christ’s words during the Last Supper: “This is my body” and “This is my blood.” He rejects allegorical or symbolic interpretations, asserting that the bread and wine are truly the body and blood of Christ as promised in Scripture. This forms the foundation of his argument for the Real Presence in the Eucharist.

Christology and Sacramental Theology:
The doctrine of the Real Presence is deeply connected to Chemnitz’s Christology. He argues that Christ’s divine attributes are communicated to His human nature through the personal union, making it possible for His body and blood to be present in the sacrament. This counters Reformed objections that deny such a presence based on metaphysical grounds.

Faithfulness to Scripture:
Chemnitz uses rigorous exegesis to analyze biblical texts related to the institution of the Lord’s Supper (e.g., Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and 1 Corinthians 11). He insists on adhering to the plain meaning of these texts and critiques theological methods that rely on unrelated passages or speculative interpretations.

Critique of Opposing Views:

Roman Catholic Doctrine: Chemnitz critiques transubstantiation, arguing that it deviates from scriptural teaching by introducing unnecessary philosophical concepts.

Reformed Theology: He refutes symbolic or memorialist views (e.g., those of Zwingli and Calvin), which deny the Real Presence. Chemnitz also addresses specific objections raised by figures like Theodore Beza.

Sacrament as Assurance of Salvation:
For Chemnitz, the Lord’s Supper is not merely a ritual but a means by which God delivers salvation to believers. By partaking in Christ’s body and blood, Christians receive forgiveness of sins and assurance of His merciful presence.

Irenic Tone and Continuity with Lutheran Tradition:
Chemnitz presents his arguments in a calm and respectful manner, aiming to build consensus rather than provoke conflict. He frequently references Martin Luther’s writings to demonstrate continuity with Lutheran theology while avoiding innovations.

Structure and Methodology:
The book systematically addresses key issues surrounding the Eucharist through scriptural analysis, historical theology (drawing on early Church Fathers), and critiques of contemporary theological errors. Chemnitz’s approach is both exegetical and doctrinal, offering a detailed defense of Lutheran sacramental theology.

In summary, The Lord’s Supper by Martin Chemnitz is a cornerstone work in Lutheran theology that defends the Real Presence in the Eucharist while providing a thorough critique of alternative views. It remains a significant resource for understanding Reformation-era debates on sacramental theology.