The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
DOCTRINES OF THE SALVATION ARMY
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 innocency, 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, the resurrection of the body, in the general judgement at the end of the world, in the eternal happiness of the righteous, and in the endless punishment of the wicked.
WORSHIP
The Salvation Army is a fundamental part of the Christian Church in Pakistan. The Churches are called ‘corps’ or ‘citadels’ and they are Christian places of worship open to the community they serve.
Most Salvation Army corps hold worship services on a Sunday although may also hold these and other services during the week. Worship traditionally in a Salvation Army corps will include singing, prayer, readings from the Holy Bible and a sermon or talk about how God wants to make a difference in our lives. Drama and Testimonies are also often included. Worship may be helped by a harmonium and tabla, a Salvation Army brass band or a worship band with keyboard, guitars and drums. A choir may also help with singing during the worship service.
During the week there may be a Bible study or prayer group that you can join. There is also, in many corps, a worship service for women called the Home League, Youth clubs and Youth worship also take place. Often community based activities are run from the corps building for anyone in the local community such as homework clubs, literacy, food preservation and many more. Each corps has different activities as the needs and the community determine. Not every corps is exactly the same so why not go along to your local Salvation Army centre and see for yourself all that it can offer.
International Theological Council
The principal purpose of the International Theological Council (ITC) (formerly International Doctrine Council) is to serve the General and the global Salvation Army by being faithful custodians of Army doctrinal positions, whether those positions are to be found in the eleven Articles of Faith, in official Army publications, or in formal statements approved by the General.
The International Theological Council together with General Brian Peddle, Sunbury Court 24-28 March 2019. From Pakistan Major Arif Masih is the member of International theological Council.
The International Theological Council together with General Brian Peddle, Sunbury Court 24-28 March 2019. From Pakistan Major Arif Masih is the member of International theological Council.
Major Arif Masih was born in 1968 in Lahore Pakistan. His early education was in Lahore, and he completed his Bachelor of Theology from Gujranwala Theological Seminary in 1990. His thesis was on the topic: ‘’Comparison between Muslim and Christian married life” He served as a Presbyterian pastor for three years in Gujranwala. He and his wife Samina worked for The Salvation Army at Jhamka Corps before training as part of the ‘’Messengers of Love’’ session. Arif served as a Corps officer and youth officer at Tanda, and Peshawar. He served at the Training College as Field Training Officer, Senior Training Officer and Acting Training Principal, before being appointed to Kohat Corps. After that he served as Training Principal, Education Secretary and now he is working as Secretary for Spiritual Life Development. He and Samina have two sons Ammindab and Alyab, and a daughter, Anab.