The Salvation Army Doctrines
Every Kroc Center is a place of worship, with a mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Salvation Army’s eleven articles of faith reflect our determination to remain faithful to our standards and principles.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by His suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.
- We believe that repentance toward God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to salvation.
- 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.
- We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
- 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.
- We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.
Grand Rapids Kroc Center Beliefs
Below is a summary of what Kroc Church thinks are the most important things you can know. The full story can be found in the Bible, but we have pulled out a few verses to make sure you know these are not just our words, but God’s.
Before anything else existed, there was God (Genesis 1:1). Just by speaking, He created the universe (Genesis 1:3). God made the human race as his ambassadors to the rest of His creation and gave them the responsibility and privilege of caring for and ruling over it (Genesis 1:27-28). God looked at everything he had made and it was very good (Genesis 1:31).
He made us to glorify and worship Him, but we chose to pursue our own wants and desires rather than God’s (Romans 1:21). This is called sin. Because of selfishness and rebellion, we separated ourselves from God, so He graciously sent Jesus, his one and only son, to earth (John 3:16). Born of a virgin (Luke 1:31-35), Jesus was 100% man and 100% God (Philippians 2:6-7). Though tempted to do evil just as we are, Jesus never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). His obedience was astounding, even to death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). It was this death that was the ultimate sacrifice for every single sin that we have and will ever commit. It is the blood of Jesus that justifies and saves us from the wrath of God (Romans 5:8-9).
Three days after the crucifixion Jesus was raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) proving his divine nature and providing this amazing gift of eternal life with God to every one of us who chooses to believe (John 3:16). By admitting our sins, submitting ourselves to Jesus as Lord, and committing our lives to follow Jesus, we are saved (Romans 10:9).
The Christian life is not easy. The Apostle Peter warns us of the sufferings and painful trials that are ahead (1 Peter 4:12). But there is rejoicing to be had because, even in our sufferings, we know that we will be rewarded on the day when Christ returns (2 Timothy 4:7). So spread the word and follow the great commission, telling all creatures (whether you like them or not) of the good news to be had in Christ Jesus (Mark 16:15). Take confidence in knowing that the scriptures are God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16) and be ready to give account (1 Peter 3:15). Be strong in your faith for the enemy is cunning and waiting around the corner to strike you down (1 Peter 5:8). Know that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) and “as for God, his way is perfect, the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him” (Psalm 18:30).