The Sacraments and the Bible

Taking a fresh look at what Scripture actually says about the Sacraments

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How can The Salvation Army justify non-adherence to
the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist
when it seems clear that the vast majority of other
denominations regard them as being
an intrinsic part of the Christian faith?

Can such a position be defended using the Bible alone?

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it,
and gave it to them, saying,
"This is my body given for you;
do this in remembrance of me."
Luke 22v19

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptising them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 28 v19

The Sacraments and the Bible

The official review of New Frontier magazine, published for USA Western Territory, September 12th 2007.

'It is an examination of The Salvation Army's position on the sacraments based purely on a scriptural foundation'

This short, easy-to-read book of 54 pages, by UK officer Captain Philip Layton, sets forth the Salvationist viewpoint on the sacraments. It is an examination of The Salvation Army's position on the sacraments based purely on a scriptural foundation - not tradition or social issues. It looks both a baptism by water and the Eucharist or communion.

General Shaw Clifton says, "It is my prayer that this book will be used of God to help a new gereation of Salvationists understand and, when called upon to do so, explain the Army's position; that it will also speak to those in the sacramental traditions, where we find many who, while noit adopting our practice, nevertheless understand and affirm us in our teaching; and that Salvationists everywhere will capture anew that gloriously Christ-honouring vision of becoming living proof that , by divine grace, a holy life can be lived without reliance upon outward sacramental ceremony. This is the God-given calling of every Salvationist."

"The views expressed within this book" states Layton, "are purely based on personal study of the Bible, against which I believe any Salvationist viewpoint must be measured."

He concludes that we should celebrate baptism and the Eucharist. We don't have to be baptized with water but we the Holy Spirit. And we don't have to have ceremony and use specific bread and wine. But what is important is our relationshipwith God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Layton has set forth a balanced presentation, justifying baptism and communion and the fact that we should celebrate the sacraments - but not necessarily in the traditional manner of other denominations.

The Sacraments and the Bible is available from Resource Connection for $4.95, http://www.SAResourceConnection.org, or (800)937-8896.

New Frontier Magazine,
The Salvation Army Western Territory, USA

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