Affirms
Affirm literal return of Christ; judgment and glory
The Salvation Army affirms the second coming of Jesus Christ as a literal, future event when Christ will return in judgment and glory. The Handbook of Doctrine teaches that this return will be visible and will usher in final judgment of all people. This doctrine is part of the evangelical eschatological framework embraced by the Salvation Army.
The promise of Christ's return encourages watchfulness and faithful living. It assures believers that Christ will ultimately vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked. The doctrine also emphasizes that Christ's kingdom will be fully realized at his return, when justice will be accomplished and divine purposes completed.
Key Distinctions
- Return expectation:
- literal, visible return of Christ preceded by signs
- Tribulation view:
- preceded by tribulation; no separate pre-trib rapture
- Parousia nature:
- bodily, visible, glorious return of Christ to earth for judgment
Scripture References
Sources
- Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine
- The Salvation Army Handbook