Affirm unlimited atonement; Christ died for all people
The Salvation Army affirms unlimited atonement within its Wesleyan-Arminian framework: Christ's death on the cross is sufficient and effective for all humanity, not limited to the elect. The cross is understood as the supreme act of God's self-sacrifice for human redemption. The Handbook of Doctrine teaches that Christ's death provides the means of salvation for everyone who believes, though salvation must be appropriated through personal faith.
This unlimited understanding of atonement is crucial to Salvation Army theology and mission. It explains the organization's universal evangelistic thrust—the gospel can be offered to all people with the assurance that Christ's sacrifice covers all humanity. The cross demonstrates God's love for the world and Christ's willingness to bear the penalty of human sin.
Key Distinctions
- Primary theory:
- penal substitution — Christ bears the penalty of sin in place of sinners
- Scope of atonement:
- universal — Christ died for all people
- Propitiation affirmed:
- yes — Christ's death satisfies divine justice
Scripture References
Sources
- Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine
- Wesleyan theological tradition