'...I welcome most warmly this latest contribution to the literature on The Salvation Army and the sacraments and, on behalf of Salvationists everywhere, record warm thanks to Captain Philip Layton for his most helpful work.  The Captain’s hope has been to articulate the Army’s position from a Scriptural viewpoint.  He has done so admirably.'
General Shaw Clifton

Reviews:

'A good, simple, Salvationist, sacramental roadmap'
Commissioner John Swinfen
(read the full official Salvationist review, UK Territory)

'This very concise, readable book will be helpful for those needing an introduction to the Army's biblical point of view.'
Major Ted Horwood
(read the full official The Officer review, IHQ)

'It is an examination of The Salvation Army's position on the sacraments based purely on a scriptural foundation'
New Frontier magazine
(read the full review published for USA Western Territory)

'A valuable teaching tool, both for new and not so new Salvationists.'
Pauline Fidoe
(read a personal review from a Salvationist who came from a Baptist tradition)

'I was made to reconsider my whole grasp on the subject.'
Andrew Kite
(read a personal review from a Salvationist who is a Local Officer, Canterbury Corps, UKT)

'What a refreshing, Biblically sound approach to this subject...'
Troy Walker
(read a personal review from a member of Newcastle Worship and Community Centre Corps, NSW Australia)
 

Purpose:

This book has been produced as a result of several factors surrounding the issue of the Eucharist and Baptism, and in particular how churches such as The Salvation Army can justify non-adherence to these ceremonies when it seems clear that the vast majority of other denominations hold these sacraments as being an intrinsic part of the Christian faith.

The factors which have driven this study are ones which have had an impact upon  missions and ministries, congregations and communities, churches and corps in the UK and across the world.

It responds to:
....A belief that the sacraments of the Eucharist and water baptism are an integral part of the Christian faith, and that without them any church ceases to be fully functional.

....Being challenged as to one's own Christian ‘credentials’ by fellow ministers of local churches as a direct result of the stance of The Salvation Army upon this issue.

....An awareness that a great percentage of Salvationists do not know of any clear biblical rationale behind the stance their denomination takes.

....Having witnessed the testimony of good and sincere people who have proclaimed the necessity of the sacraments in order to ensure one has truly received salvation.

However, although perhaps the above factors in themselves are good enough reasons to produce this book, its primary aim is to respond to just one common factor, which can be summed up in the form of a question: