Salvationism

Today was our first 'meaty' lecture here at college, titled 'The end of Salvationsim.'

For me, I see Salvationsim as a relentless completing desire to see all the peoples of the the earth saved. Fighting for souls, reaching the lost and those marked for death.

Everything we (Salvationists) do should lead directly or ultimately lead to the salvation of the world. Not for our sake, nor for the sake of the Army but it's for Jesus and the extension of His Kingdom. Should this not be the case, Salvationism as I have come to understand it, would come to an end.

Let me give two examples.

Social justice is a worthy, important and valid arm of The Salvation Army. However if it becomes more important to drink a fair trade latte then see the cafe owner saved; Salvationism comes to an end.

Music is a powerful and beautiful tool for communicating to God, believers and unbelievers. However if it becomes more important to maintain excellence over evangelism; performance over passion; inclusively over intimacy- Salvationism comes to an end.

If any of our 'Salvation-Army-ism's' (timbrels, home league, band, songsters, uniform, red shield), that aren't essential to our doctrines and covenants ever become more important than releasing the captives- then it will be the end of salvationism... as I know it.

When what we do, loses it's power to bring other's closer to the throne of God's grace, let it die!