John,

As far as the Lord's Supper and specifically the matter of the "Real Presence", there were several who disagreed with Calvin during his day and those shortly after his death; all whom were of high esteem. I would venture to say that many of those views are still held today in various circles. One of the better books out there that provides some historical data and the debates which took place between parties concerning this matter is Keith Mathison's book, Given For You. I am not qualified to say which view is the "Classic Reformed View", but what I do NOT hold to is the idea that John Calvin is to be the sole source of what Calvinism is. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> What I mean by that is most knowledgeable people in the Reformed camp will agree that John Calvin did not invent/discover the doctrines which have been unfortunately named, "Calvinism". But rather, Calvin, with the gifts given to him "codified" and refined those doctrines which had been believed long before he arrived. Thus, our Reformed faith is that which is most biblical, IMHO, and which has come down to us from the efforts of many men and women who God raised up throughout the centuries as in its development. I'll leave it to the obnoxious "TR's" to fight it out among themselves as to who holds to that which is "THE classic Reformed" view! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/evilgrin.gif" alt="" /> For myself, I'll embrace what I believe the Scriptures teach and which has historical precedence in the church.

What I AM sure of is that speratus' "god", Martin Luther was unfortunately in error in regard to his view of the two natures of Christ and consubstantiation. I suspect that the latter determined how he interpreted (forced upon) Chalcedon to preserve and defend it. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

In His Grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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