Affirm hell as eternal separation from God's presence
The Salvation Army affirms the doctrine of hell as a real and eternal consequence for those who reject salvation. Hell is understood as eternal separation from God and the loss of divine blessedness. The Handbook of Doctrine teaches that those who die without accepting Christ's salvation face judgment and separation from God. This doctrine serves as a motivation for evangelism and moral seriousness.
While the Salvation Army does not emphasize graphic descriptions of hell or divine punishment, it maintains that hell is a real consequence of rejecting God's grace. The doctrine underscores both God's justice and the importance of human choice. It motivates the Salvation Army's urgent mission: eternal destinies are at stake in the gospel.
Key Distinctions
- Hell nature:
- eternal conscious torment — place of unending suffering for the damned
- Duration:
- eternal — without end
- Who faces hell:
- all who die unrepentant without faith in Christ
Scripture References
Sources
- Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine
- The Salvation Army, Doctrine (official publication)