Hymns for the Living Church ‎#470

470. Onward, Christian Soldiers

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.

Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

2 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)

3 Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the Church of Jesus constant will remain;
Gates of hell can never 'gainst that Church prevail;
We have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail. (Refrain)

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 thro' countless ages men and angels sing. (Refrain)

Text Information

• First Line: Onward, Christian soldiers
• Title: Onward, Christian Soldiers
• Author: Sabine Baring-Gould (1864)
• Refrain First Line: Onward Christian soldiers
• Meter: 6 5 6 5 D. Ref.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1974
• Scripture:
  Matthew 16:18
  ;
  Ephesians 4:4-6
• Topic: Church, The: Militant and Triumphant; Conflict; Warfare, Christian

Tune Information

• Name: ST. GERTRUDE
• Composer: Arthur S. Sullivan (1871)
• Meter: 6 5 6 5 D. Ref.
• Key: E♭ Major