Who Can Take the Lord’s Supper?

“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