This is hymn 12 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
HYMN 12: 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 banner go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before!
2.At the name of Jesus
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!
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.
4.Crowns and thrones may perish,
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the church Jesus
constant will remain:
Gates of hell can never
‘gainst that church prevail
We have Christ’s own promise
and that cannot fail
5.Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices,
in the triumph song;
Glory, praise and honour,
unto Christ the King;
This through countless ages,
men and angels sing.
ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS HYMN COMMENTARY
Beloved in the Lord, as we open our hearts to this stirring anthem, “Onward Christian Soldiers,” we are reminded that the Christian life is not a passive picnic, but an active campaign. We are not called to be casual spectators but committed soldiers in the Lord’s army. This hymn is a powerful call to remember our identity, our mission, and our certain victory in Christ Jesus.
Why We Sing This Hymn
We sing this hymn to stir our spirits, to align our perspective with the spiritual reality of our calling, and to march forward in unity and faith.
1. It is a Hymn of Spiritual Warfare and Divine Leadership (Verse 1)
The opening line, “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,” immediately sets the tone. We are in a spiritual battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil (Ephesians 6:12). But we do not march in fear or in our own strength. Our great comfort is that “the cross of Jesus [goes] on before!” The cross is our standard, our symbol of victory and our source of hope. Christ Himself is our “royal Master,” who leads us against the foe. We are not following an abstract ideal, but a conquering King.
2. It is a Hymn of Certain Victory (Verse 2)
This verse fills us with triumphant faith. We are not marching towards a potential victory, but “on to victory!” Why? Because “at the name of Jesus Satan’s host doth flee” (Philippians 2:10). Our primary weapon in this battle is often the “shout of praise.” When we lift our voices in worship, we proclaim God’s supremacy and watch as “hell’s foundations quiver.” Our praise is an act of spiritual warfare that confounds the enemy and strengthens our own hearts.
3. It is a Hymn of Glorious Unity (Verse 3)
The Church is not a scattered collection of individuals, but “like a mighty army.” We are connected to all believers across time and space—”treading where the saints have trod.” This verse presents a vision of the Church as God intends it: “not divided; all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.” In a world that seeks to divide, our unity in Christ is a testament to His power and love.
4. It is a Hymn of Unshakable Promise (Verse 4)
While earthly powers and kingdoms are temporary and fragile, “the church of Jesus constant will remain.” This is our eternal security. We stand on the promise of Christ Himself that “the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). No political shift, no cultural trend, no demonic scheme can prevail against the Church built upon the Rock. This truth allows us to march with confidence, regardless of what we see in the news or feel in our circumstances.
5. It is a Hymn of Triumphant Invitation (Verse 5)
The final verse is an evangelistic call. We are not a closed club, but a “happy throng” inviting others to “join our happy throng” and “blend with ours your voices.” Our march culminates in an eternal song of “Glory, praise and honour, unto Christ the King.” The battle ends in a coronation ceremony that will last for “countless ages.”
A Word for Your Spirit Today
Dear soldier of Jesus Christ, perhaps you have felt weary from the battles of life. You may have felt the enemy’s arrows of doubt, fear, or discouragement. Today, let this hymn be your rallying cry. Stand up, straighten your armor (Ephesians 6:10-18), and fix your eyes on the cross going before you.
You are not fighting for victory; you are fighting from a place of victory already secured by your Royal Master. Lift your voice in praise, for it shakes the very foundations of hell. Lock arms with your fellow believers, for we are stronger together. And march on, with the unshakable promise that the Church of Jesus Christ will endure, and you with it, into eternal glory.
Onward, then, Christian soldier! Your King is leading you. Victory is assured.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
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