Foot washing

[Hawkman]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

So, we can agree to conceed that there are exceptions to the requirement of salvation? One who does not have the opportunity to partake in foot washing can be saved, even though, as you say, they are commanded by the Lord to do so? Then, by that reasoning, those who have never had the opportunity to be baptized in Jesus' Name can be saved as well? What about the multitudes in foreign lands who have never heard about Jesus Christ, they will be saved because they hadn't heard the Gospel? Or have never recieved the revelation of the Oneness of the Godhead? Seems the rigid and unchangeable Plan of Salvation may not be so regid after all.

Some pretty meaty things to ponder here, Elder!

[Esther]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

Your pastor may say it's a symbol of washing away, but the Bible does NOT say that. I don't see that it has anything to do with washing away the world. What it DID symbolize was the humility of even the Almighty God which pointed to the importance of our relationships.

I know that it may be a "tradition" in some churches and I think it is a good tradition, but guilt should not be used by saying it is "vital to one's walk with God." I think it certainly helps and strengthens our humility, but Jesus never stated that it was something that should be done or must be done.

So what do you think this "ought" you to do also mean?

[Esther]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

Respectfully Elder, Jesus told the disciples in Jn 13:15 I have given you an example

He had asked them in vs 12 Do you know aht I have done to you?

The obvious answer was that he had washed their feet, but that was ONLY an example they in that culture could relate to. his lesson was deeper that.

The lesson he was teaching is that the greater should serve the lessor in all things, not just a mere washing of the feet that was practiced by most in that era, but to always be in humble submission to our brothers.

Jesus taught in parables, EXAMPLES. He did this to get his point across.

His washing of the disciples feet was just that, an example as vs 15 states.

If you think he was making a custom of that time, a binding sacrament of the church, I think you have missed the object lesson Jesus gave the disciples recorded in John 13.

Hope maybe some day you might see the lesson there. Because I think that binding things upon NT Christians as salvational that are not salvational will get you in a bit of trouble when we all give a reckoning.

How are you going to twist "this OUGHT YOU to do also"?

I can see Jesus at McDonald's... saying, "Paul, could you get me some more ketchup?"... and 2000 years later, we have this mysterious, spiritual ketchup ritual...

[Esther]

Originally Posted by Sheltiedad

I'm going to go curse a fruit tree the next time I see one. Jesus cursed a literal fig tree because it didn't have literal fruit on it, and it literally withered and literally died...

Did He tell YOU this you OUGHT to do?

[Esther]

After reading these post I think we have a very PROUD generation, to proud to wash someones feet. I think it is a very sad situation.

Jesus gave this for us to do as an example with a command this OUGHT you to do also. I wonder why we observe the communion without question as it is symbolic also. I guess if it has to do with eating we can do that???

Unfortunately, the church I attend does NOT observe footwashing although I think his Dad probably did when he was pastor.

Originally Posted by Esther

Did He tell YOU this you OUGHT to do?

He hasn't told ME anything... we just have a record of where He told other people things, and a 3rd party wrote them down... but I know that is a big can of worms.

[Pragmatist]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

It is a very humbling and moving service.

Agreed. Get me my own basin of water and I'll be ready for the next footwashing service.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

So, we can agree to conceed that there are exceptions to the requirement of salvation? One who does not have the opportunity to partake in foot washing can be saved, even though, as you say, they are commanded by the Lord to do so? Then, by that reasoning, those who have never had the opportunity to be baptized in Jesus' Name can be saved as well? What about the multitudes in foreign lands who have never heard about Jesus Christ, they will be saved because they hadn't heard the Gospel? Or have never recieved the revelation of the Oneness of the Godhead? Seems the rigid and unchangeable Plan of Salvation may not be so regid after all.

Acts 2:38 and obeying the gospel saves. Tithing cannot be ignored but i could die before I get paid. Church attendance is an obligation but sickness could prevent me. So are many commandments. But commandments refused-rejected-neglected will keep one out of the Rapture.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Sheltiedad

I'm going to go curse a fruit tree the next time I see one. Jesus cursed a literal fig tree because it didn't have literal fruit on it, and it literally withered and literally died...

Did Jesus tell us to curse fig trees?