There are some that in practice teach (to those that learn by observing them – let your light so shine) that forgiveness is given only once in a year. On the eve of the day prior to Passover they take the bread and wine that is our Lord’s body and spirit. Because it was so in the days of animal sacrifice, those who have just cause for not receiving the bread and wine on that day may have another day, not even a day but a moment in a day. Not that only taking the bread and wine once in a year is an issue but if it is that one should carry their sin with them until that day and time, that is an issue. It is not so taught and, it is my hope, not so believed. But it is taught that those taking the bread and wine at other times do so unworthy and with that I take issue.
If a loved one was sick, would you wait until the day and time when the whip hit Jesus’ back to ask that that loved one be healed? By His stripes we are healed. All things are not done on an anniversary. When a loved one passes away, do you wait until the day Jesus was put in the tomb to bury your loved one? Do you go to their grave after they have been in it for a while and call their name and ask them to come forth? All things are not done by perfect example. Do you only sleep from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset? You rest at a time not so appointed or ordained. Is the rest unworthy?
Paul wrote to the Romans, “Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” The Apostle used the consumption of food and wine as an example of things that some believed to be sinful, but earlier in the letter referred also to observances. In the taking of the bread and wine, in remembrance of our Lord’s death until He returns, on a specific day we are using the bread and wine as an observance. Paul’s teaching to the Romans would apply. Everyone would agree that remembering our Lord is a good thing. Why speak of good as evil? “Who are you to judge another servant?”
There is also a doctrine of washing a brother’s feet as Jesus did for the disciples that were with Him at supper the night before He died for our sins. On the only evening of the year when the bread and wine can be taken, except for the time and day that is for those that missed the first one for just cause, those gathered wash each other’s feet. There feet do not have need of washing, it is done as an example of the attitude of serving. I do not believe that the ordained wash the feet of the disciples, as Jesus did, to show that to lead is to be the servant. In the act no one can find fault, but if it is taught that the act somehow qualifies one for the kingdom of God, there may be an issue. If it is taught that those who do not practice the washing of feet as a doctrine are lost, with that I take issue. The example of Jesus was the attitude of the Shepherd towards the flock. Ezekiel wrote, “Should not the Shepherds feed the flock?” He also wrote of Jesus, “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.” That was the attitude of Jesus when He washed the disciples’ feet.
It never was the blood of the animal on the doorpost that saved the eldest son and it is not the bread or wine that forgives sin. Both of these are or were done, as a way of announcing to the flesh what is truth in the spirit already. Is that not why we do religious acts in the flesh, to proclaim to the flesh what is truth in the spirit? Did killing the lamb on the alter cleanse the flesh from sin? Does eating the bread and wine? No. One looked forward to our Lord’s sacrifice and the other looks back to the Lord’s sacrifice, but neither saves. Jesus saves. That is why God sent Him. Do not judge the one that takes bread and wine once in a year nor the one that takes it multiple times. Do not judge the one that washes feet as a doctrine or the one that does not. How can we judge one another in taking the bread and wine that represents the act of Jesus that gives to us all forgiveness? In judging each other in these acts, we prove that we do not understand the bread and the wine that we are taking. Jesus said, “Love one another, that they will know that you are mine.”