Do some Christians still practice foot washing?
Yes, some Christians still practice foot washing, citing John 13 where Jesus washed the disciples' feet. Some view it as a practice brought from God's dealing with Israel into the church, rather than an instruction for the church, yet without condemning those who observe it.
Les explains that he has heard of quite a few who still practice foot washing, and he does not condemn them. He notes they often say it is in the Bible, but he feels they are bringing something from God's dealing with Israel into the church, which is not necessarily instructed for the church. He connects this to John 13, where Jesus rose from supper, took a towel, poured water into a basin, and washed the disciples' feet, including Peter's. Les also relates it to the Old Testament laver of cleansing, where priests washed hands and feet after the altar, not a full bath. He sees the whole cleansing aspect as a Scriptural lesson for all of us.
Should Christians practice foot washing today?
Christians are not required to practice foot washing today. Although some believers do so because it is in the Bible, the context shows it relates to God's dealing with Israel and is not necessarily instructed for the church. It illustrates cleansing, but it is not a mandatory church practice.
Is foot washing instructed for the church today?
Foot washing is not necessarily instructed for the church today. The practice belongs to God's dealing with Israel and the priests' laver cleansing, not to the church's required ordinances. Some still practice it and are not condemned, but bringing it into the church from Israel's ceremonies is not mandated. It illustrates cleansing rather than giving a church command.
More Questions
Is foot washing supposed to be practiced in the church today?
Christians who still practice foot washing are bringing something over from God's dealing with Israel into the church, which is not necessarily instructed for the church, though Les does not condemn them for it.