One hundred and two years ago, on May 22, 1910, as part of the festivities of the World Sunday School Convention in Washington, DC, it was arranged for "Onward, Christian Soldiers" to be sung around the world. Translators had worked for months to render the words into a hundred languages. Children in churches and on mission fields marched through the streets singing the song, and it became a worldwide hymn.
While some today are uncomfortable with the martial imagery of the song, the lyrics express a Biblical focus on carrying out the mission of God and achieving spiritual victory over Satan and his destructive works.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,/With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads aginst the foe;/Forward into battle see His banners go!
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.
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.