Salvationists, along with other Christians in the Western world, are becoming increasingly aware that the world is changing rapidly and radically. Truth claims have to be carefully defended and, more frequently, even the possibility of determining absolute truth is rejected outright by postmodern skeptics. Anyone seeking to share the gospel needs a solid grasp of the central teachings of Scripture to respond to questions about the Christian faith.
First-century Christians living in the Roman Empire were like a little island surrounded by a sea of paganism. This made the relentless pursuit of the truth all the more important. Christianity, like Judaism, is a religion of the Book. It embraces and impacts the total person, and a true Christian experience arises out of an ever-growing faith response to doctrinal truth and the teachings of Scripture. Through the written Word, the Holy Spirit witnesses to the living Truth—the Lord Jesus Christ. Luke described that determined search for truth in the first Christians as they “devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching (doctrine) and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread (meals together) and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Today, Christians must practise the same devotion to truth in order to discern, demonstrate, declare and defend an authentic Christian faith.
The recent publication of the revised edition of The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine is a key achievement. It is a superb tool for introducing Salvationists to such foundational truths as the authority of Scripture, the creation of Heaven and earth, the Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), fallen humanity and the remedy for sin through Christ's atoning work. It also examines the process of salvation in detail, including repentance, faith, justification, regeneration, assurance, ongoing transformation (sanctification) and resurrection from the dead.
The chapter entitled A Salvationist Understanding on the Church is one of the best in the book. Included as Appendix 5 is The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ, also published separately in 2008 (see below), the most extensive statement ever made on our place in the Church. Discussion of the Army's non-practice of sacraments enlarges our perspective on baptism by the Spirit and “the real presence” of Christ (Holy Communion) without the use of the traditional symbols of bread and wine.
While changes to the wording of 1998's Salvation Story are minor, new sections of the book add considerable scope. These include study notes, an official exegesis of the 11 doctrines and a section entitled For Further Exploration. This is The Salvation Army “doing theology” at its best—engaging in meaningful interaction with theologians and Christians, past and present, to articulate and apply theological truths for the 21st century. These explorations and the appendices are the greatest strength of the revised handbook.
If I could wish for three books to form the basis for instructing, informing and inspiring the “faith and practice” of all Salvationists, the revised Handbook of Doctrine would be number one. Number two would be Cadets Bible Outline, which I have now used for 40 years to guide me in understanding the overarching story of Scripture. The third would be The Salvation Army Song Book, which helps us to study and apply Scripture and theology in a worshipful and easily memorized fashion. The eventual publication of a new song book will enrich our access to this great treasury of inspired poetry. In the Wesleyan tradition, we embody our theology in our songs and gain much instruction and inspiration from singing our faith.
The Handbook of Doctrine provides a foundational guide for the spiritual formation of Salvationists. If we use it wisely, we will be healthier as a church, holier as Salvationists, and more helpful in declaring and discussing our faith with others.
Lt-Colonel Wayne Pritchett is the divisional commander of the Ontario Central-East Division. The Handbook of Doctrine is available through Salvation Army Christian Book and Supply Centres or can be downloaded free at www.salvationarmy.org.
Additional Resources
The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ: An Ecclesiological Statement
Issued by International Headquarters in 2008, this short booklet, published in English, French and Spanish, helps Salvationists understand our place among the many church denominations, para-church bodies, church councils and other Christian groups that exist around the world.
The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ: Study Guide
A companion to the ecclesiological statement, this newly released book is intended for personal and group spiritual development. Available in English, French and Spanish, the guide offers discussion questions, prayer ideas and opportunities for personal sharing as it enables exploration of Salvation Army beliefs and covenant.
First-century Christians living in the Roman Empire were like a little island surrounded by a sea of paganism. This made the relentless pursuit of the truth all the more important. Christianity, like Judaism, is a religion of the Book. It embraces and impacts the total person, and a true Christian experience arises out of an ever-growing faith response to doctrinal truth and the teachings of Scripture. Through the written Word, the Holy Spirit witnesses to the living Truth—the Lord Jesus Christ. Luke described that determined search for truth in the first Christians as they “devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching (doctrine) and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread (meals together) and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Today, Christians must practise the same devotion to truth in order to discern, demonstrate, declare and defend an authentic Christian faith.
The recent publication of the revised edition of The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine is a key achievement. It is a superb tool for introducing Salvationists to such foundational truths as the authority of Scripture, the creation of Heaven and earth, the Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), fallen humanity and the remedy for sin through Christ's atoning work. It also examines the process of salvation in detail, including repentance, faith, justification, regeneration, assurance, ongoing transformation (sanctification) and resurrection from the dead.
The chapter entitled A Salvationist Understanding on the Church is one of the best in the book. Included as Appendix 5 is The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ, also published separately in 2008 (see below), the most extensive statement ever made on our place in the Church. Discussion of the Army's non-practice of sacraments enlarges our perspective on baptism by the Spirit and “the real presence” of Christ (Holy Communion) without the use of the traditional symbols of bread and wine.
While changes to the wording of 1998's Salvation Story are minor, new sections of the book add considerable scope. These include study notes, an official exegesis of the 11 doctrines and a section entitled For Further Exploration. This is The Salvation Army “doing theology” at its best—engaging in meaningful interaction with theologians and Christians, past and present, to articulate and apply theological truths for the 21st century. These explorations and the appendices are the greatest strength of the revised handbook.
If I could wish for three books to form the basis for instructing, informing and inspiring the “faith and practice” of all Salvationists, the revised Handbook of Doctrine would be number one. Number two would be Cadets Bible Outline, which I have now used for 40 years to guide me in understanding the overarching story of Scripture. The third would be The Salvation Army Song Book, which helps us to study and apply Scripture and theology in a worshipful and easily memorized fashion. The eventual publication of a new song book will enrich our access to this great treasury of inspired poetry. In the Wesleyan tradition, we embody our theology in our songs and gain much instruction and inspiration from singing our faith.
The Handbook of Doctrine provides a foundational guide for the spiritual formation of Salvationists. If we use it wisely, we will be healthier as a church, holier as Salvationists, and more helpful in declaring and discussing our faith with others.
Lt-Colonel Wayne Pritchett is the divisional commander of the Ontario Central-East Division. The Handbook of Doctrine is available through Salvation Army Christian Book and Supply Centres or can be downloaded free at www.salvationarmy.org.
Additional Resources
The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ: An Ecclesiological Statement
Issued by International Headquarters in 2008, this short booklet, published in English, French and Spanish, helps Salvationists understand our place among the many church denominations, para-church bodies, church councils and other Christian groups that exist around the world.
The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ: Study Guide
A companion to the ecclesiological statement, this newly released book is intended for personal and group spiritual development. Available in English, French and Spanish, the guide offers discussion questions, prayer ideas and opportunities for personal sharing as it enables exploration of Salvation Army beliefs and covenant.
If they would read it---even corps offircers and especially corps leaders never knew it was changed or revised when I asked them about it.
Most Salvationists don't know that the Doctrine is now the Salvation Story, I have read it at the time I wasn't impressed but I will have to get a copy of the New and revise.
Why must the apostasy come first?
Apparently it will be an integral part of the great deception and delusion that will sweep the entire world in preparation for Antichrist's take over. 2Thes 2:10
One should always put the Word of God first and formost, Paul's prophecy of apostasy seems to fly in the face of the prevailing optimism and predictions of great revival that dominate Christian media.
Such pronouncements, concerning success, prosperity, and Christians taking over the world for Christ, hoever, are based on the wrong idea that one must always be positive rather than upon solid Bible teachings.
It is not easy to overcome the temptation to join the excited crowds who eagerly embrace whatever this or that dynamic Christian leader says without cheeking it carefully against the Bible.
Never Give up God is on His Throne
God Bless