Salvation Army takes a look at its spiritual life
Non-sacramental stance reaffirmed
By ChristianWeek staff
Two years ago General Paul A. Rader, commander of the worldwide Salvation Army, created a "Spiritual Life Commission" to examine what he describes as "the heartbeat of God’s Army." Last month the multicultural commission released its report, providing an updated definition and explanation of the Army’s key beliefs and distinguishing features.
The report begins with an emphasis on every Christian’s "God-given freedom in Christ," and confirms the Army’s ministry to the unchurched, the priesthood of all believers, personal salvation, holiness of life, the use of the Mercy Seat, and social ministry ("unreservedly given") as integral to the denomination’s spiritual life.
The commission also stood by the Army’s unique view on the sacraments (they neither baptize nor observe communion). The report offers 10-point statements on both Holy Communion and Baptism, emphasizing the Army’s longstanding beliefs that "no particular outward observance is necessary to outward grace" and that "God’s grace is freely and readily accessible to all people at all times."
Army members are encouraged to "develop creative means of hallowing meals" which avoid "ritualizing particular words or actions." They are free to participate in communion at other Christian gatherings if the host church allows.
As for baptism, the Army "rejoices in the truth that all who are in Christ are baptized into the one Body by the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13). It also maintains that the "swearing-in of a soldier" is "a public response and witness to a life-changing encounter with Christ which has already taken place, as is the water baptism practised by some other Christians."
The report includes a series of 12 affirmations relating to worship, the disciplines of life in the Spirit and training in God’s Word. One distinctive teaching involves the "Mercy Seat," which "in our meetings symbolizes God’s unremitting call to his people to meet with him. It is not only a place for repentance and forgiveness, but also a place for communion and commitment. Here, we may experience a deep awareness of God’s abundant grace, and claim his boundless salvation."
The report concludes with a 12-point "Call to Salvationists," which urges members to develop both an inward movement toward God and an outreaching work to humanity.
"The vitality of our spiritual life as a movement will be seen and tested in our turning to the world in evangelism and service. But the springs of our spiritual life are to be found in our turning to God in worship, in the disciplines of the life of the Spirit, and in the study of God’s Word," it states.
