Onward, Christian Soldiers

A Sermon based on the hymn by Sabine Baring-Gould

Introduction

“Onward, Christian Soldiers” is one of the most recognized and stirring hymns of spiritual battle and unity. Written in 1865 by English pastor Sabine Baring-Gould, it was originally intended for a children’s procession but quickly grew in popularity for its martial rhythm and bold imagery. It echoes Paul’s exhortation in 2 Timothy 2:3 to “endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” This hymn has served for generations as a reminder that Christians are engaged in a spiritual war, not with carnal weapons, but with the power of truth, love, and righteousness.

Every Christian is enlisted in the Lord’s army—not as spectators, but as participants. Our battle is against sin, falsehood, and spiritual darkness (Ephesians 6:12), and we march under the banner of Christ our King. This hymn does not call us to physical violence, but to spiritual courage and unwavering loyalty to our Lord. It emphasizes unity—“we are not divided”—and victory through Christ’s eternal reign.

As we journey through each stanza, let us be reminded of our role, our strength, our fellowship, and our destiny. The call is clear: no retreat, no division, no defeat. We are soldiers of the cross, and we must press onward.

Stanza 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 opening stanza declares the militant tone of the hymn—not of physical warfare, but of determined spiritual purpose. We are not aimless wanderers but soldiers “marching as to war.” The “cross of Jesus” goes before us, just as the Ark of the Covenant led Israel (Joshua 3:3). Christ is our “royal Master,” our Commander, and He leads us against the spiritual foe—Satan and his forces (Ephesians 6:11–12). We are not to flee, but to “stand firm” and move forward in truth.

Stanza 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 stanza reveals the power of worship and faith in spiritual warfare. When God's people march in faith and sing His praises, even “hell’s foundations quiver.” Just as the walls of Jericho fell after the trumpets sounded (Joshua 6:20), so too does the enemy tremble when we stand united in praise. Satan cannot prevail against a people full of truth and praise (Matthew 16:18; James 4:7).

Stanza 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 we see the unity of the church emphasized. The church moves “like a mighty army”—not scattered, not confused, but disciplined and united. Unity is essential (John 17:21; 1 Corinthians 1:10). We walk the path of faithful saints before us (Hebrews 12:1), sharing one doctrine (Ephesians 4:5), one hope, and one love. Division weakens the cause; unity strengthens it.

Stanza 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.”

This final stanza is an invitation and a vision of the eternal. It calls others to join the cause, just as the church calls the world to salvation through the gospel (Revelation 22:17). Our voices blend now in praise on earth, but one day we will join the heavenly host in triumphant worship (Revelation 5:13). Christ is King now and forever (Philippians 2:10–11).

Onward, Christian Soldiers Sermon Outline:

Introduction

Author: Sabine Baring-Gould (1865)
Theme: Christian spiritual warfare and unity
Key Verse: 2 Timothy 2:3 – Good soldiers of Jesus Christ

Stanza 1 – Marching Under the Cross

Joshua 3:3 – The Ark went before them
Ephesians 6:11–12 – Our battle is spiritual
2 Corinthians 10:4 – Mighty through God

Stanza 2 – Victory Through Praise

Joshua 6:20 – The shout of victory
James 4:7 – Resist the devil and he will flee
Matthew 16:18 – The gates of Hades shall not prevail

Stanza 3 – Unity of the Church

John 17:21 – That they all may be one
1 Corinthians 1:10 – Be perfectly joined together
Ephesians 4:4–6 – One body, one faith

Stanza 4 – Eternal Praise and Invitation

Revelation 22:17 – The Spirit and the bride say come
Philippians 2:10–11 – Every knee shall bow
Revelation 5:13 – Blessing and honor forever to the Lamb

Call to Action

Are you enlisted in the Lord’s army? Have you obeyed the gospel, been baptized into Christ, and committed to following Him? The battle rages, and neutrality is not an option. Stand up. Stand firm. March forward. Serve your King in truth, unity, and courage. The crown awaits the faithful soldier.

Scripture Reference List

2 Timothy 2:3 – Endure hardship as a good soldier
Joshua 3:3 – Ark of the covenant led the way
Ephesians 6:11–12 – Spiritual armor and battle
2 Corinthians 10:4 – Weapons of our warfare are mighty
Joshua 6:20 – The walls fell at the trumpet blast
James 4:7 – Resist the devil
Matthew 16:18 – The church shall prevail
John 17:21 – Unity of believers
1 Corinthians 1:10 – No divisions among you
Ephesians 4:4–6 – One body and one faith
Revelation 22:17 – The invitation to come
Philippians 2:10–11 – Every tongue shall confess
Revelation 5:13 – Worship in heaven and earth

Song History

“Onward, Christian Soldiers” was written by Sabine Baring-Gould for a children’s procession in Yorkshire, England. The tune was later composed by Arthur Sullivan, of Gilbert & Sullivan fame. Though not written by a member of the church of Christ, the hymn’s powerful message of unity, faith, and spiritual warfare has found a home in many Christian hymnals, including among the churches of Christ. Its martial tone reminds worshipers of their calling to bold, unified, and faithful service in the cause of Christ.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO