How is The Salvation Army distinctive from other Christian denominations, missions and movements?
I have often felt that our name not only identifies us but also tells us what our mission is. I love the fact that our very name is Salvation, and for the Salvationist that salvation means everything. It means salvation from sin, it means a full salvation that invites us to holy living. It is salvation for the whole person. This salvation moves us to address human need and to do so in his name. We are known for serving suffering humanity.
We are also an ‘Army’, which reflects mobility, flexibility, discipline, active service. That’s distinctive.
Our symbols are distinctive and our worship is often very spontaneous – as it should be. I love the Salvation Army testimony period and where it has been lost it needs to be revived, because we are in a day and age that loves to share and hear stories.
I think our Mercy Seat is brilliant – and I don’t mean to be sacrilegious in saying that! There is something about being in worship and knowing that the Word of Christ, when proclaimed, can be responded to then and there. To me there’s always something special about kneeling before God in front of the community of faith. It’s not just coming to the Lord, believing he meets us there. You know you are surrounded by people who have seen your commitment, and that they also covenant to pray for you.
I truly believe in our stand on the sacraments. The Lord needs some part of the Church to prove that you don’t need ceremonies to be truly saved, committed and Christlike. That in no way is a negative comment about how other people view the sacraments, not at all. The Lord has brought us all up with different views of things, and I feel the Army’s teaching is sound. It’s a wonderful prophetic witness.
Linda Bond, General
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