Wholly Holy

Doctrine Dilemma
part 1

Heres a bit of a rant, but im not gonna fit it all in in one post

I have known officers, cadets and soldiers who do not agree with some of our doctrines (the beliefs of the salvation army) but the one some dont believe that really bugs me is the seventh doctrine:

We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation.

We live in a postmodern pluralistic society where anyhing goes. Its ok for you to believe something different to me. We all have our 'own truth.' Many salvationists here in Australia believe that "you dont need Jesus for salvation." It is ok to be muslim, hindu, budhist, or atheist... Ive even heard it said we just need to be "good" or have any "faith" to go to heaven/recieve salvation.

This is garbage and does not sit with the above doctrine (clear as crystal in the Bible) which shows what we need for salvation.

The Bible is EXTREMELY clear about false teachers, they need to be corrected, and if they cant be corrected they need to be given the boot.

At the same time the salvation army is wondering why we're not growing, why we dont see many converts.

The problem is that the doctrine has been fragmented. People find it hard to accept in its entirety. However the doctrine which emphasises faith in Jesus Christ, repentance to God and regeneration by the Holy Spirit is the backbone to Salvationist ministry.

If we miss out on "faith in Jesus" we are left with an any faith will do belief, which will limit a call to believe in Jesus. Without repentance our holiness emphasis goes out the window, our relationship with God does not get mended. And without regeneration by the Holy Spirit we miss out on God leading us in holiness and we miss out on the supernatural. As the Salvation Army we want to see people saved from hell, reconciled to God, and empowered to live the life God wants us to in love and service of others.

Whats worse is that the salvation army has commissioned officers, and continues to do so (unsure of this year, it seems there has been some changes...), and keeps officers as leaders regardless of their theology. This is a disgrace and God will jugdge the leaders who let this happen. The Bible is SOO clear that those who are teachers and leadsers will be judged more severely. How can the salvation army compromise on this? As for those who willingly sign the covenant that says "we believe", yet disagree with it are lieing and are showing a huge lack of integrity as they knowingly sign something they dont believe in.

Compromise leads to bondage and I believe that the salvation army is well on the way and even already in bondage as we have compromised our standards and beliefs. The salvation army will be judged for this. Perhaps the salvation army is being judged for this already!

Join with me as I pray for the leaders in the salvation army. That those with false doctrine (who lovingly and honestly believe what they believe) will be convicted of their sins, of their heresey, and will turn to the truth. Pray with me for the leaders who need to address this problem as there are numerous complications in addressing this urgent issue.

I am reminded of the revivals in the old testament when leaders stood up and took the hard steps to see people won back to God. God can do this and will do this, but we need to be honest with ourselves and with God, and not compromise what the salvation army believes as truth!