Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!
At the sign of triumph
Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise! [Refrain]
Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
one in charity. [Refrain]
Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro’ countless ages
men and angels sing.
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Sabine Baring-Gould, 1865
Read Ephesians 6:10-13
(Like a mighty army moves the church of God… When I read accounts of any war, even the most recent ones I am struck by what the regular soldiers endured. I have heard my father-in-law talk about his experiences on a submarine in World War II. Hardship and deprivation. Homesickness and danger. Stress and exhaustion. I’m not sure I’m doing much ‘soldiering’ for the cause of Christ. Not much discipline or perseverance. Not much commitment or dependence on His power and might. Not nearly enough unity, either. God help me stand.)