Of Feet Washing

Feet washing we confess to be an ordinance of Christ, which He Himself performed on His disciples, and which, after His example, He commended to true believers, that they should imitate it, saying: "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." Again: "If you know these things, happy are you if you do them" (John 13, verses 14, 15, and 17).

The purpose for which the Lord has instituted this ordinance is principally this: that we may remember, in true humility, that by grace we are washed from sin through the blood of Christ, and that He, our Lord and Master, by His lowly example, binds us to true humility toward one another. John 13, verses 8, 10, and 14. The apostle counts feet washing among the good works. First Timothy 5, verse 10.