In the world today, it’s easy to feel like we’re simply bystanders in the spiritual battles that rage around us. We see conflicts, both physical and spiritual, and I add even political, unfolding, and it’s tempting to retreat into our own lives, hoping to avoid the fray. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to be more than just observers; we are called to be soldiers in the army of God. One of the most stirring hymns that captures this call is “Onward, Christian Soldiers.”

Here are the lyrics to the hymn “Onward, Christian Soldiers”:

Verse 1:

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 banners go!

Chorus:

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Verse 2:

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!

Verse 3:

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.

Verse 4:

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 through countless ages men and angels sing.

Understanding the Hymn

Verse 1:

“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 banners go!”

This verse sets the tone for the entire hymn, depicting the Christian life as a battle in which we, as soldiers, must march forward. The cross of Jesus, symbolizing His sacrifice and victory, leads us into this battle. We do not march alone; Christ Himself leads us, guiding us in our fight against the spiritual forces of darkness.

Verse 2:

“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!”

This verse reminds us of the power of Christ’s victory. When we stand firm in our faith, the forces of evil cannot prevail. Our praises to God are more than just songs; they are weapons that cause the very foundations of hell to tremble. This is a call to boldly declare our faith, knowing that in Christ, we are victorious.

Verse 3:

“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.”

Here, the hymn emphasizes the unity of the Church. We are not lone soldiers but part of a mighty army that spans generations. We walk the same path that saints before us have walked, unified in our mission and love for one another. This unity is crucial for the effectiveness of our spiritual warfare.

Verse 4:

“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 through countless ages men and angels sing.”

The final verse is a call to everyone to join in this spiritual battle. It’s not just about us as individuals but about the collective body of believers lifting their voices in praise and honor to Christ the King. Our fight is not just for victory on earth but for eternal glory with Christ.

So, what is this war for Christ? The Bible tells us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). This war is a spiritual one, where the stakes are the souls of men and women. It’s a battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV): “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

In this war, every believer is called to participate. We fight through prayer, through living out the gospel, through sharing our faith, and through standing firm in the truth of God’s Word. But what happens when we give up or give in? When Christians become bystanders, the influence of the gospel in the world diminishes, and the enemy gains ground.

What Does It Mean to Be a Christian Soldier? To be a Christian soldier means to actively engage in the mission that Christ has given us. It means standing firm in our faith, even when it’s difficult, and continuing to proclaim the truth of the gospel. The Apostle Paul is a prime example of what it looks like to be a soldier for Christ.

In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul says:

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV): “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Paul understood that the Christian life was a battle. He endured hardship, persecution, and imprisonment, yet he never wavered in his commitment to Christ. He fought the good fight until the very end, and his life is a testament to the power of living as a soldier for Christ.

Another example is King David. Although he was a mighty warrior, his greatest battles were fought in his heart. In the Psalms, we see David wrestling with fear, doubt, and sin, but he always turned back to God for strength and guidance.

Psalm 18:32-34 (NIV): “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”

David recognized that his strength came from God alone, and he relied on God to equip him for the battles he faced.

You may ask yourself how can we be Christian Soldiers today? To be effective soldiers in today’s world, we need to be equipped with the armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:13-18. This passage tells us to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.

Ephesians 6:13-18 (NIV): “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

To be a Christian soldier is to be vigilant, prepared, and actively engaged in the spiritual battles we face. It means being rooted in the Word of God, fervent in prayer, and unified with other believers. It means resisting the temptation to become passive and instead choosing to stand firm in faith, knowing that our victory is secure in Christ.

“Onward, Christian Soldiers” is more than just a hymn; it’s a call to action. In a world that often seems overwhelming, where the forces of darkness seem strong, we are reminded that we are not alone in this battle. Christ leads us, and He has already won the victory. Our role is to remain faithful, to keep marching forward, and to fight the good fight of faith.

As we reflect on the words of this hymn and the examples of those who have gone before us, let us recommit ourselves to the battle. Let us be Christian soldiers, standing firm in the truth, sharing the gospel, and living lives that glorify God. The war for Christ is ongoing, but the victory is certain. Let’s move forward with confidence, knowing that we march with the cross of Jesus going on before. The world needs Jesus now more than ever and that means YOU. There is no draft into the Kings army, only volunteers. Will you volunteer today?