Yes. The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.
We believe:
- The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian Faith and practice.
- There is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, who is the only proper object for religious worship.
- 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.
- 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.
- Our first parents were created in a state of innocence, but by their disobedience lost their purity and happiness. In consequence of their fall all people have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.
- The Lord Jesus Christ has by his suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.
- Repentance toward God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to Salvation.
- Justification is by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and those who believe have the witness in themselves.
- Continuance in a state of Salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
- It is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and their whole spirit, soul and body may be preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- The Salvation Army believes in the immortality of the soul; the resurrection of the body; the general judgement at the end of the world; the eternal happiness of the righteous; and the endless punishment of the wicked.
Unlike most other Christian denominations, The Salvation Army does not observe the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion.
We believe it is possible to experience the inward grace of which the sacraments are outward signs, without the need for the rituals themselves.
Everyone is welcome to attend a Salvation Army church and be part of our faith community without making any formal ongoing commitment.
However, we believe it is important to belong, and to move forward in your faith. Therefore, we encourage people to make a more formal level of commitment as an officer, soldier or adherent of The Salvation Army.
Adherents
Adherents are Christians who also pledge to support their local Salvation Army corps.
While not entering into a Soldier’s Covenant, an adherent declares that they
- Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and seek to follow Him
- Participate through worship, fellowship and service at a local Salvation Army corps
- Identify with the mission of The Salvation Army
Soldiers
Soldiers of The Salvation Army are Christians who respond to God's calling to undertake a specific covenant (or promise) regarding lifestyle and beliefs.
They are not employed by the Salvation Army, although they may take on paid positions by applying through conventional means.
Soldiers are eligible to wear The Salvation Army uniform, however this is not compulsory.
Soldiers testify that
- they worship God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit
- they have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord
- they are committed to the work and mission to which Christ has called The Salvation Army as part of his church
- they believe in the Bible as the word of God
- they agree with The Salvation Army’s doctrines.
They also declare
- they will be responsive to the Holy Spirit and seek to grow in grace
- they will make the values of the Kingdom of God the standard for their lives, showing Christian integrity in their deeds, maintaining Christian ideals in their relationships, and upholding the sanctity of marriage and family life.
- they will be faithful stewards of all they have and are
- they will abstain from the use of all enslaving substances and harmful activities
- they will be active in God’s work both in sharing the Gospel and in serving the needy, and will contribute financially to its support
- they will be true to the principles of The Salvation Army.
Officers
Officers are the equivalent of fulltime clergy in other Christian denominations.
Officers undergo rigorous training before being ordained. After ordination they are appointed to various roles around The Salvation Army, which could include church leadership, social programs, or management according with their skills and experiences.
The Salvation Army is committed to the ordination of both men and women. Single men, single women and married couples can all apply to become officers.
A person must be a soldier of The Salvation Army before they can become an officer.