Onward Christian Soldiers

HYMN WRITER:  Pastor Sabine Baring-Gould

HYMN HISTORY:   Whitmonday was a festival day for schoolchildren. During the day the children would march to neighboring villages carrying a cross and banners. In 1864, Pastor Sabine Baring-Gould wanted a new hymn to encourage them in their march. In fifteen minutes he wrote to the hymn named “Hymn for Procession with Cross and Banners.” Later on, Baring-Gould apologized for the hymn. He said, “It was written in great haste, and I am afraid that some of the rhymes are faulty.” Yet, this simple hymn has become one of the most famous Christian marching hymns ever written.  The hymn was later renamed: “Onward Christian Soldiers.”

BIBLE VERSE:    2 Timothy 2:3 – “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

HYMN LYRICS:

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.

CHORUS

Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before!

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.

CHORUS

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.

CHORUS

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 thru countless ages men and angels sing.

CHORUS