Dallas W. Vandiver serves as Assistant Professor of Christian Studies in the Graduate School of Ministry at North Greenville University, Greenville, SC
"The only thing worse than not knowing the biblical principles
behind sound church practices is abandoning those practices
altogether--and sadly, many Baptists are guilty of both. In this
excellent book Vandiver makes a clear biblical argument for why New
Testament baptism matters and qualifies church members for
participation at the Lord's Table, issuing a clarion challenge to
Baptists to return to an ecclesiology based on Scripture rather
than emotion or convenience."
--Hershael W. York, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Vandiver's study of the Lord's Supper is exegetically rooted,
theologically astute, and practically applicable. Readers will find
here a robust defense of close (not closed) communion. An
outstanding contribution to the theology and practice of the Lord's
Supper!"
--Thomas R. Schreiner, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"This book makes two important contributions. First, it gives the
arguments for open, close, closed, and ecumenical communion. . . .
The second is Vandiver's unique contribution, an argument for close
communion by drawing 'a principle of analogy (continuity) from the
necessity of circumcision before Passover.' . . . One does not have
to agree with all Vandiver's conclusions to profit greatly from his
discussion. I commend it, especially to students of ecclesiology
and Baptist history and theology."
--John S. Hammett, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
"The relationship of baptism and the Lord's Supper is of great
theological importance, and one's theological understanding also
has immediate application in the life of the local church. . . .
Still, seemingly little consideration is taken in many contemporary
churches. . . . Vandiver's book, therefore, is of immense
importance. Here one finds a well-articulated historical survey of
the ordinances, sound biblical analysis, fitting theological
synthesis, and pertinent applications within the life of the
church. Pastors and scholars alike would do well to engage with the
argument represented here and take up the call to a clear and
consistent approach to the ordinances."
--Jeremy M. Kimble, Cedarville University
"Open. Close. Closed. Three views adopted by Protestant churches as
to whom may participate in celebrations of the Lord's Supper. May
any follower of Jesus take communion? May any baptized Christian
participate? May only a member of the church that administers the
Lord's Supper take it? And what difference does the church's
position make anyway? Through a thorough and meticulous historical,
biblical, theological, and practical study, Dallas Vandiver offers
us the most complete work on this important topic to date. Highly
recommended!"
--Gregg R. Allison, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
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