Our beliefs
Expression of Christianity
Our beliefs are written as 11 faith-based statements called ‘Doctrines’ or ‘Articles of Faith’. They have been the basis of The Salvation Army’s expression of Christianity since 1878.
We believe
The Bible is inspired by God
It is the foundation of and the authority on our faith and life.
There is only one God
He created everything, and continues to creatively sustain and guide creation toward its ultimate purpose.
God is a Trinity of three persons
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are undivided in essential nature but remain three distinct persons.
Humans were created in the image of God
They were in a perfect relationship with God, but they turned their backs on him.
As a result, this relationship was spoiled for every generation.
Sin broke the relationship between God and people
Humans (God's children) chose pride, power and selfish desire over God — our loving and holy Heavenly Father. This choice, called sin, separated humans from God and destined us to an eternity without him in a fallen world.
Jesus is fully divine and fully human
He came to Earth to restore the relationship between God and humanity, and was obedient to what the Father asked him to do.
He suffered, died and was brought back to life. In doing this, he stepped into the gap between us and God, to bring us back to him.
Restoring our relationship with God
The obedience of Jesus made the way for us to be restored and walk in right relationship with God. When we turn back to God and believe in the saving power of Jesus, we can enjoy this restored relationship.
We experience God’s love and new life in our hearts through the Holy Spirit of God.
The Holy Spirit lives in our hearts
After Jesus finished his work on Earth, he sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives inside the hearts of all who believe in Jesus as Lord. We cannot see him, but we can know him, experience him, and see the positive change he brings to our lives.
The Holy Spirit guides us to live life God’s way. He helps build our character to become more like Jesus — bringing love, hope and good news to those around us.
He gifts us with faith, wisdom and strength to live in our God-given purpose.
Being a Christian changes our life
Because of God's grace toward us, our relationship with him has been restored.
God’s love is at work in us through his Holy Spirit — changing, healing and guiding us. We are changed for the better on the inside — in our spirits. This helps us in every part of our lives.
Continued growth and development
In order for this new life to be maintained, in obedience to God we need to make continual conscious choices to live in the way God intends.
We demonstrate this in the way we love and serve others. All Christians, through their cooperation with God’s grace, can become and be kept holy (Christ-like) until Jesus comes again.
We will meet God in Heaven
The choices we make in this life will have eternal consequences.
If we choose our own way and turn our backs on God, we will face the pain of having separated ourselves from him. However, choosing God’s way leads to the joy of an eternal relationship with God in Heaven.
Become a member of The Salvation Army
Some people choose to make a more formal level of commitment as an officer, soldier or adherent of The Salvation Army. These military-style terms are used for membership because, from its beginning in 1878, The Salvation Army used military language to represent the battle all Christians must fight against poverty, injustice and evil.
Officers
Equivalent of full-time ministers of religion, clergy or pastors in other Christian denominations.
Women, men, single women and single men, along with married couples can apply to become officers.
After ordained, or commissioned, officers are appointed to various roles around the world, which can include church leadership, social programs, or management according to their skills and experiences.
In keeping with the military structure, officers can hold various ranks such as lieutenant, captain, major and commissioner.
Before becoming an officer, a person must:
- Be a soldier of The Salvation Army
- Undertake an interview process
- Participate in theological and practical training
The holistic approach of training officers of The Salvation Army is delivered through a threefold process which integrates theological and educational formation, personal and spiritual formation and mission and ministry formation.
For more information on officer formation, please visit our Eva Burrows College website.
Soldiers
Followers of Jesus (aged 14 years or older).
Many soldiers wear a soldier uniform, especially when representing The Salvation Army in the community, however the uniform is not compulsory.
In an enrolment ceremony, they sign a covenant (or promise) with God in which they:
- State their belief in the 11 doctrines of The Salvation Army
- Participate through worship, fellowship and service at a local Salvation Army corps
- Identify with the mission of The Salvation Army
- Promise to share the good news of Jesus with others and to care for those in need
- Commit to living a lifestyle that aligns with the values of the Kingdom of God and supports our mission
Adherents
Pledge to support the local Salvation Army corps (aged 14 years or older).
While not entering into a Soldier’s Covenant, an adherent declares that they:
- Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, seek to follow him and want to share his love with others
- Participate through worship, fellowship and service at a local Salvation Army corps
- Identify with the mission of The Salvation Army
Junior soldiers
An option for children to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
Children may make a promise to follow Jesus in an enrolment ceremony and be supported by an adult mentor who promises to pray for them regularly.
Prior to the ceremony, they can attend classes at their local Salvation Army to:
- Get to know who Jesus is
- Learn about the Bible and how to read the Bible
- Understand the history and mission of The Salvation Army
- Engage in opportunities to serve their community
The Doctrines of The Salvation Army
1.
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.
2.
We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.
3.
We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead — the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.
4.
We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and human natures are united so that He is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.
5.
We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocence but, by their disobedience, they lost their purity and happiness and that in consequence of their fall, all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.
6.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has, by His suffering and death, made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will be saved.
7.
We believe that repentance toward God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary for salvation.
8.
We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.
9.
We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
10.
We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
11.
We believe in the immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the body, the general judgment at the end of the world, the eternal happiness of the righteous, and the endless punishment of the wicked.
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