THE INSTITUTION OF THE CHRISTIAN ORDINANCE OF FEETWASHING

THE INSTITUTION OF THE CHRISTIAN ORDINANCE OF FEETWASHING

 

Introduction:

This raises the question concerning the nature of an ordinance. Inasmuch as we have established five necessary characteristics for a church ordinance, it is interesting to note that this form answers to every one of these requirements.

lb. The prerequisites for the ordinance are fulfilled in feetwashing.

lc. The special time for the institution of the ordinance is true of this form.
John 13:1 "When Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father."

Up to this moment not one of the ordinances had been instituted. This law with its various forms was being followed. But with his death, resurrection, and ascension, and the coming of the Spirit, a new dis­pensation was being ushered in. Now is the time to institute the new ordinances. Except for baptism, all the others were instituted this night.

2c. The sovereign authorization was given by Christ to feetwashing. John 13:3 "Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands."
John 13:12-16 "You know...Lord, Master...Example...greater."

3c. The symbolical meaning of this institution is set forth.
John 13:7 - "You don't know now, but you will know hereafter".
John 13:8 - "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me".
John 13:9-11 - This was symbolical, for they had just washed their feet, and now Christ is doing it again; and the bath of vs. 10 He applies spiritually to salvation, for Judas is the one who does not have it.

4c. The spiritual truth here being symbolized is a great truth.
This represents the cleansing from defilement during the Christian life (John 13:9-11). This covers the whole aspect of sanctification by the Word.

5c. The Specific command for perpetuation is given for feetwashing.
John 13:13-15 "You are continuously obligated, to make a practice of washing the feet of one another. For I have given you an example that you should keep on doing what I have done to you."