This research paper by Matthew Sparks, submitted to Dr. D. Blair Smith for ST5250 – Ecclesiology and Sacraments at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte, presents a Reformed defense of administering the Lord’s Supper in both kinds—bread and wine—to all believers. Sparks argues that the Roman Catholic restriction of the cup to clergy violates Christ’s institution and undermines the theological fullness of the sacrament as ordained in Scripture.
Through historical and theological analysis, Sparks traces the debate from the Hussite movement through the Reformation to the modern era. He examines how figures like Jan Hus and Jakoubek of Stříbro affirmed communion under both kinds as a matter of biblical obedience, and how Reformers such as Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli unanimously upheld this practice against the Council of Trent’s decrees. The paper contrasts Rome’s appeal to transubstantiation and concomitance—which claim the whole Christ is present in each element—with the Reformed distinction between sign and thing signified, preserving the dignity and purpose of both bread and wine.
Sparks concludes that communion must be administered under both species because Christ commanded His church to “eat” and “drink” in remembrance of Him. The Reformed understanding, grounded in covenantal symbolism and biblical fidelity, affirms that both elements are necessary to portray the fullness of Christ’s atoning work and the believer’s participation in His body and blood.
Course and semester: ST5250 Ecclesiology and Sacraments — Spring 2020
