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US

The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church with its own distinctive governance and practice. Its doctrine follows the mainstream of Christian belief and its articles of faith emphasise God’s saving purposes.

The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ is an ecclesiological statement published by Salvation Books, International Headquarters. In his foreword General Clifton says of this short publication: 'It will be especially useful to those of us who are actively engaged in ecumenical relations and can readily be shared with others beyond our ranks if this will be an aid to mutual understanding. The Statement is not intended to say new things, but its purpose is to clarify and consolidate present global thinking on our identity within the wider Body of Christ.'

Our Vision

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The Crest

  • The sun with its rays represents the light and fire of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:11)
  • The cross represents the cross of Jesus on which He died as a sacrifice for our sins. (Romans 3:25)
  • The letter "S" represents the salvation which is available to all people through Jesus Christ. (John 3:16–17)
  • The crossed swords represent God's Word (Hebrews 4:12). God's Word is the Christian's weapon in the salvation war (the war against Satan and evil).
  • The Gospel shots (Psalm 119:160) represent the basic truths of the Gospel; there are 7 in all.

    1 – The existence of a Holy God; 2 – The evil of sin are against God and man; 3 – There will be punishment for sin that is fair and everlasting; 4 – Jesus died on the cross for the human race; 5 – Salvation is for all mankind and is free to all who accept Jesus Christ; 6 – It is the responsibility of every Christian to do whatever they can do to spread the Gospel; 7 – God rewards those who are faithful with eternal life in Heaven with Him.

  • The words "Blood and Fire" as the "war cry" of the Salvation Army. It is Jesus' blood that washes us clean from sin and it is the fire of the Holy Spirit that makes us pure and helps us live lives that are pleasing to God.
  • The crown represents the "Crown of Life and Glory" which God will give to all those who have been faithful to Him (James 1:12).

Flag

The Salvation Army flag is a symbol of the Army's war against sin and social evils. The red on the flag symbolises the blood shed by Jesus Christ, the yellow for the fire of the Holy Spirit and the blue for the purity of God the Father.

Salvation Army operations began in Nigeria in 1920 when Lieut-Colonel and Mrs George H. Souter landed in Lagos, to be followed later by Staff-Captain and Mrs Charles Smith, with ten West Indian Officers.