THE PRACTICE OF THIS TOKEN IN THE CHURCH TODAY

THE PRACTICE OF THIS TOKEN IN THE CHURCH TODAY

 

 

In most churches today it has been completely lost. And this probably arises out of two things. One there has been a departure from the Word of God, and therefore in many churches it is more like a club than a spiritual society. Therefore the feeling of warm, personal affection has been lost.

But in other churches it may be that the token has been lost because there is no careful adherence to the commands of the word of God.

However, in Brethren churches there is a more or less strict attention given to the word of God so the token still prevails.

lb. It is communal for only believers observe it (1 Thess. 5:26).
Only those who are true believers are invited to participate in the threefold communion service.

2b. It is universal, for all engage in it (1 Thess. 5:26).
In the feetwashing service men with men and women with women engage in this practice as a part of this service.

3b. It is reciprocal, one kissing another and in return (Rom. 16:16).
This is protected against any misuse by men engaging in the token with men, and women with women.

4b. It is personal showing respect to one another (1 Cor. 16:20).
Each evaluates the other and pays respect to the individual with whom he engages in the service.

5b. It is spiritual in its overcoming power (1 Pet. 5:14)
It is the kiss of love, a love that recognizes all that the other is, and sees in him the value of the new life and rises above the purely natural and unattractive qualities.

6b. It is sanctified and separated to sacred use (2 Cor. 13:12).
As the believer participates in the feetwashing service, he makes personal inventory of self, makes inward confession of sin, and puts his feet into the hands of the brother as in the hands of Christ for cleansing. In this attitude he greets the brother with the holy kiss. At this time the kiss is more holy and separate than at any other time.