Affirm classical theism; God is omnipotent, omniscient, eternal
The Salvation Army affirms the classical attributes of God foundational to Christian theology: omnipotence (all-powerful), omniscience (all-knowing), eternality (outside time), immutability (unchanging in nature), and perfect goodness. God is understood as the sovereign creator of all things, sustaining all creation by divine power. The Handbook of Doctrine articulates these traditional attributes.
God is described as perfectly holy, righteous, and merciful—a being of infinite perfection worthy of worship and obedience. This classical theism informs the Salvation Army's understanding of salvation, morality, and spiritual authority. The God affirmed in Salvation Army doctrine is the God of the Bible, accessible through prayer and revealed in Jesus Christ.
Key Distinctions
- Theism type:
- classical monotheism — one God, infinite, eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent
- Primary divine attribute:
- love and holiness (biblical); divine simplicity affirmed (God is what he has)
Scripture References
Sources
- Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine
- The Salvation Army Handbook