A comparative study of Luther’s and Zwingli’s understanding of the Lord’s Supper

Abstract

Luther’s and Zwingli’s understanding of the Lord’s Supper is the main focus that forms the framework of this research. Prior to the Reformation, several divergent views had been expressed among scholars to resolve the controversy over the substance of the Lord’s Supper. However, it was in the Marburg debate between Luther and Zwingli that the doctrine met the needed consideration in scholarship. This study reviewed the theology of Luther and Zwingli in relation to the Lord’s Supper. The purpose of the study is to compare and contrast the views of the reformers, namely, Luther and Zwingli on the Lord’s Supper, and to examine their influence in the theological enterprise and Christian denominations as a whole. Theologically, the study has revealed that the words of Jesus “this is my Body” should not be viewed in the context of its literal sense, but rather in a symbolic or figurative sense. The body of Christ has been crucified once for humanity and it makes no sense for Christ to be crucified again at the Lord’s Supper. This can be clearly discerned from the words of Jesus Christ “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). This fixes the biblical doctrine of the Lord’s Supper. Thus, the bread is a figure (sign), which points to the death of Christ. Therefore, Christians celebrate this ordinance to commemorate the death of Christ.