(John 13: 3- 10)

This rather popular scripture has been a veritable pillar in teaching about Christian humility and service right from the very beginning of the Church. However, the beautiful text also serves to illustrate the profound doctrine of spiritual salvation and subsequent Christian walk, as we shall now consider:

The experience of spiritual salvation can be likened to a perfect spiritual bath whereby all the moral filthiness of the person is washed away as he/she is admitted into the kingdom of God. This initial bath is once and for all.

If the person commits any (new) sin after the bath, he/she needs only to have the feet washed and the total cleanness is restored. There is no need for a complete "bath" again. The washing of the feet is analogous of the continual forgiveness and cleansing that our Lord Jesus effects in the life of every believer who confesses and repents of any sin he/she may fall into even as a child of God. (1John 1: 9)

The importance of the subsequent continual "washing" is stressed by Jesus Christ Himself as He warned Peter, "If I do not wash you, you have no share in me." We need to remember that this event was AFTER Peter and the others, were already disciples and ministers. Hence, it was not a reference to the initial new-birth "bath" experience.

So today, brother/sister, do you find yourself polluted with the dirt of any easily-besetting sin? Do not despair! Solution has already been provided. Only do not neglect to avail yourself of it. Just wash and be clean.

It is well.