The Metaphor of War
and
The Salvation Army

Physical representations of Key Concepts

The Penitent Form
from The Salvation Army FAQ

"These days the penitent form is more likely to be called the mercy seat. It is a bench-like structure, usually made from polished wood, running across the front of every Army worship hall.

"Its origins are found in the Old Testament, when the mercy seat was the holy place where God’s presence was believed to be and where he communicated with his people.

"Many centuries later some Christian denominations made use of a ‘mourners bench’ or ‘penitent form’ to which people were invited to come to confess their sins and ask God’s forgiveness. The Army’s mercy seat unites both these ideas.

"When people decide to become Christians it can be helpful for them to confirm that decision in public. In The Salvation Army they are invited to do so by kneeling at the mercy seat during a meeting. The advantages of this are that the new Christian’s resolve is strengthened by a public commitment and those present can encourage them in living out that decision.

"Individual Salvationists sometimes kneel at the mercy seat during a meeting. They may be indicating publicly that they are making a fresh dedication of themselves to God, or they may wish to pray in a special way about a particular decision or problem affecting their lives, or simply be making an act of worship.

"When someone kneels at the mercy seat it is usual for a Salvationist specially trained to give such counselling to kneel alongside and offer help and prayer if it is wanted.

"There is nothing ‘sacred’ about an Army mercy seat, although it is usually treated with respect. If meetings are held in other public buildings, then a row of chairs forms a mercy seat. The only sacredness is in the act of a person meeting with God.

"Neither is it necessary for a spiritual commitment to be made at the mercy seat before that decision is counted as valid. Whenever and wherever someone meets in spirit with God, that is a ‘mercy seat’."

Holiness Table

The Holiness Table is generally a small wooden table, sometimes bearing the carved words "Holiness Unto the Lord." At other times it is covered with a cloth, generally maroon with gold lettering, bearing the same inscription.

It is placed in the center of the Penitent Form and in front of it. It may be that since the table around which people are standing is new that it will replace what appears to be the "old" Holiness Table to the left.

The Holiness Table was never intended to be used as a place for offering plates nor flowers!