Onward, Christian Soldiers - #658

"Onward, Christian Soldiers"
by Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924

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

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.
Onward, Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.

4. Onward, then, ye faithful,
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.
Onward, Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.

Hymn #658
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Matthew 16:18
Author: Sabine Baring-Gould, 1864
Composer: Arthur S. Sullivan, 1871
Tune: "St. Gertrude"