This song was composed, at Horbury Bridge and was written for the children to have something to sing whilst walking up the hill to Horbury, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England. I attended the Horbury Bridge school as a youngster we used to sing this song in assembly
I loved this hymn as a child; the tune is brilliant! In the UK there is an additional verse (the 4th) which goes: 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. When I heard that this hymn was falling out of failure because of the military terminology I was quite shocked. It's perfectly clear from the words that it's not about war in the political sense; it says "Marching AS to war" and "LIKE a mighty army". It's obvious that the background is spiritual and metaphorical. Thanks, Luke.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians chapter 6 to put on the whole armor of God. We are soldiers in God's Army. I love this song because it is joyful and proclaims a commitment to Christ.
Yes we are His soldiers. Who better to have as One to march for. As His followers we are in a victorious battle. Yes there is power in praise, I agree with you. Carry on marching His followers. It is worth every step. Let us take hands and head towards our home with Hm.
When I was a little my parents let me sing this beautiful hymn. We sang it in church. Thank you for sharing. I had no idea people that called themselves Christians didn't like their young children singing this song. When my loving Mother passed there was no one that in her denomination to help do a church funeral and my Mother was a Pastors wife. So I asked my pastor and asked to bring the Christian Flag and set up near her. Two of my Pastors I loved did her service, praise God! There will be a time Revelation 21:4 No more tears, pain, sorrow or fears! All believers will rejoice our King of Kings and Lord of Lords that is Jesus Christ. He suffered and crucified for my sins and all that believe and worship Jesus Christ.
I remember singing this song at summer camp when I was 12 or 13. We marched into the dining hall while singing. I liked the sound of our feet on the wood floor. We are soldiers for Christ against the darkness. 🔥🔥🔥
I remember singing this song in church. I think this is an appropriate call to spiritual arms (the sword of the spirit) as we are in a spiritual war now. As Christians our job is to watch and pray. And to call down the enemy (Satan) in the name of Jesus.
Hymns are prayers that we can sign with understanding and praise to God. They help strengthen me In my faith. Thank you for providing the history of these beautiful hymns and their power tunes. Michael Pearson in Papua New Guinea.
I remember singing this hymn in a children's choir at a large Methodist church in the Kansas City (USA) area over 65 years ago. I remember that we stopped before the last chorus and asked the congregation to join us in the chorus. I've never heard the second verse before. Thank you for doing this hymn.
i learnt about this song many eons ago from my mother, probably in the late 60s. It is indeed a very inspirational hymn, quite applicable in the times we live in. Praise and glory to our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, without whom nothing is possible. Amen
Love your detailed introspection of this hymn . I got this tattooed on my forearm after infantry school before going to Afghanistan. It’s my only one visible in a T-shirt and there’s a reason for it.
Every time I hear this hymn, I'm reminded of our church youth group back in the 60s called Christian Youth Crusaders. This was our theme song and Ephesians 6:10-17 was our theme scripture. Youth groups these days would do well to promote this same scriptural foundation!📖❤✝️
Thank you. This song is about the spiritual battle we are in every day. I am grateful for this song. I sang it many times in our congregation as a young girl. Sabine Baring Gould may have been dissatisfied with the words he wrote but I am encouraged every time I hear these great lyrics! Thank you.
I have personally experienced the fact that the earlier in life you learn spiritual warfare and songs like this that rally your faith and help you soldier on in the face of open spiritual attack, the more victorious you will be. My Mom began teaching me spiritual warfare early out of necessity and it has served me very well. The scripture "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" was quite known in my family growing up. It was a very different way to grow up but being aware of the spirit realm and exercising your God-given authority (Luke 10:19) that our Savior gives us helps you know what to do when the enemy comes against us and how to stay ready. I've always loved this song and I thank you for the making this video about it. God bless
We sang it in Sunday School in the 60’s. I also felt a bit weird about the “war” words as well, even as a lil kid. But I see now it is only reflecting another feeling.
The first time I sang this hymn was in the church of England in 1952. I was 5 years old. We are in a spiritual battle and raise our voices and banners for our Savior Divine Jesus Christ. He parts the waters and the darkness flees from Him. Sing louder! 🖖👀
You have given great comfort to a Christian Soldier standing his post in the face of the enemy, the words to Onward Christian Soldiers may have been written in haste, but I know in my heart that God guided the hand that wrote those words.
I love this song i think the man that wrote this song. That this song was inspired by the lord only the lord can come up with words like this. I love hyms they definitely draw me closer to the lord. This song is sooo beautiful i think.🕊️⛪
It was a very important part of my growing up as an Anglican in Ladysmith and then Maritzburg. I'm fact. I was surprised to find I still know all the words off NY heart!!! Thanks Luke
This is just so well done and interesting and informative. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It was one of the favorite songs of a 90 yo woman in our church who just died a few weeks ago. A couple of her grandsons have been Marines. She was a strategic encourager. She requested this hymn among a few others for our congregation to sing, so we did sing it. There are some great videos to watch online of this song. I like the thought of Sullivan writing the music, all bells and whistles and pomp. Who could write it better? It is like a picture in the mind. Thank you.
Hello, loved the way how it was explained. Today first time I found out about this song.Who needs healing and connection to Hilarion this song will bring closer. Today I found out it is a hymn for Hilarion who is the chohan of the fifth ray of healing and truth. He is the hierarch of the Temple of Truth on the etheric plane near Crete, Greece.
Here in England we are too apt to forget that we are called to be the Church Militant now, so as to be the Church Triumphant hereafter... Sadly, some churchmen seem to be strangely embarrassed by that.
This song was our homeschooling song for our children. Now it is our homeschooling song for my grandchildren ... I suspect it'll be the homeschooling song for the 3rd generation of homeschooled children in our family 🇺🇸😊
This blesses me thank you for sharing. I have a question though... Why did you not sing the part that says: Crowns and thorns may parish 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. Just asking....❤❤❤❤❤❤
This is my favourite song when I'm fasting i hav heard my mum sing it in English and she was not good in English anyway the word was powerful to me,she say she learnt at kindergarten in the 60th, This my warfare song
In Paul’s epistles Christians are clearly called soldiers. In a world of sin, soldiers are necessary. God Himself is called LORD of Hosts, which is a militaristic title. And the word of God says the kingdom of heaven is obtained by violence.
A very beautiful song! Powerful and uplifting to the mind and spirit!
This song was composed, at Horbury Bridge and was written for the children to have something to sing whilst walking up the hill to Horbury, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England. I attended the Horbury Bridge school as a youngster we used to sing this song in assembly
I loved this hymn as a child; the tune is brilliant! In the UK there is an additional verse (the 4th) which goes:
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.
When I heard that this hymn was falling out of failure because of the military terminology I was quite shocked. It's perfectly clear from the words that it's not about war in the political sense; it says "Marching AS to war" and "LIKE a mighty army". It's obvious that the background is spiritual and metaphorical.
Thanks, Luke.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians chapter 6 to put on the whole armor of God. We are soldiers in God's Army. I love this song because it is joyful and proclaims a commitment to Christ.
Amen and victory in Jesus. ❤
Amen ✝️
Yes we are His soldiers. Who better to have as One to march for. As His followers we are in a victorious battle. Yes there is power in praise, I agree with you. Carry on marching His followers. It is worth every step. Let us take hands and head towards our home with Hm.
When I was a little my parents let me sing this beautiful hymn. We sang it in church. Thank you for sharing. I had no idea people that called themselves Christians didn't like their young children singing this song. When my loving Mother passed there was no one that in her denomination to help do a church funeral and my Mother was a Pastors wife. So I asked my pastor and asked to bring the Christian Flag and set up near her. Two of my Pastors I loved did her service, praise God! There will be a time Revelation 21:4 No more tears, pain, sorrow or fears! All believers will rejoice our King of Kings and Lord of Lords that is Jesus Christ. He suffered and crucified for my sins and all that believe and worship Jesus Christ.
I remember singing it in the Congregational Church in Blooming Grove NY in the 1950s.. Loved singing it.
I remember singing this song at summer camp when I was 12 or 13. We marched into the dining hall while singing. I liked the sound of our feet on the wood floor. We are soldiers for Christ against the darkness. 🔥🔥🔥
An absolute classic. I love it… It represents the Spiritual struggle we all face. Praise Jesus ✝️❤️🙏😁❤️
I'm from Hungary. I love this song. Glory to the Lord God!
This is one of my favorite hymns of all time.
I wish many children of God would sing it worldwide.
I remember singing this song in church. I think this is an appropriate call to spiritual arms (the sword of the spirit) as we are in a spiritual war now. As Christians our job is to watch and pray. And to call down the enemy (Satan) in the name of Jesus.
Hymns are prayers that we can sign with understanding and praise to God. They help strengthen me In my faith.
Thank you for providing the history of these beautiful hymns and their power tunes.
Michael Pearson in Papua New Guinea.
Very young in church, not thoroughly grasping the significance of the words but the tune resonated in me and still does 60 years later ✝️❤️😀
Thank you. I found your channel thru a friend sending me this video. Sang in my youth and church services. Tears in my eyes as you sang and played. 🎶
I remember singing this hymn in a children's choir at a large Methodist church in the Kansas City (USA) area over 65 years ago. I remember that we stopped before the last chorus and asked the congregation to join us in the chorus. I've never heard the second verse before. Thank you for doing this hymn.
i learnt about this song many eons ago from my mother, probably in the late 60s. It is indeed a very inspirational hymn, quite applicable in the times we live in. Praise and glory to our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, without whom nothing is possible. Amen
We sang this song growing up in the Episcopal church. I always liked it myself.
Praise God! Onward brothers and sisters! Let us defeat our enemy of our salvation.
Love your detailed introspection of this hymn . I got this tattooed on my forearm after infantry school before going to Afghanistan. It’s my only one visible in a T-shirt and there’s a reason for it.
Every time I hear this hymn, I'm reminded of our church youth group back in the 60s called Christian Youth Crusaders. This was our theme song and Ephesians 6:10-17 was our theme scripture. Youth groups these days would do well to promote this same scriptural foundation!📖❤✝️
Thank you. This song is about the spiritual battle we are in every day.
I am grateful for this song. I sang it many times in our congregation as a young girl.
Sabine Baring Gould may have been dissatisfied with the words he wrote but I am encouraged every time I hear these great lyrics!
Thank you.
I have personally experienced the fact that the earlier in life you learn spiritual warfare and songs like this that rally your faith and help you soldier on in the face of open spiritual attack, the more victorious you will be. My Mom began teaching me spiritual warfare early out of necessity and it has served me very well. The scripture "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" was quite known in my family growing up. It was a very different way to grow up but being aware of the spirit realm and exercising your God-given authority (Luke 10:19) that our Savior gives us helps you know what to do when the enemy comes against us and how to stay ready. I've always loved this song and I thank you for the making this video about it. God bless
What a great explanation of this significant song of our Faith!
FAITH! We still sing this with the piano on Sunday's. Beautiful song.
We sang it in Sunday School in the 60’s. I also felt a bit weird about the “war” words as well, even as a lil kid. But I see now it is only reflecting another feeling.
One day we March through the pearly gates of heaven
The first time I sang this hymn was in the church of England in 1952. I was 5 years old. We are in a spiritual battle and raise our voices and banners for our Savior Divine Jesus Christ. He parts the waters and the darkness flees from Him. Sing louder! 🖖👀
Song Of my childhood !!! Awesome Video, hope you are making many !!!!
All Britain should be singing this.come on British stand up.
Sang it at the Witfield Methodist, as did my children. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks Luke. Blessings
You have given great comfort to a Christian Soldier standing his post in the face of the enemy, the words to Onward Christian Soldiers may have been written in haste, but I know in my heart that God guided the hand that wrote those words.
We sang this at St Andrews Presbyterian church in Germiston. We were accompanied by Barry Taylor, on the organ.
Love that nice story love that patriotic hymn
Luke the quality of your video is outstanding!!!, great content I have just learnt a Lot
I love this song i think the man that wrote this song. That this song was inspired by the lord only the lord can come up with words like this. I love hyms they definitely draw me closer to the lord. This song is sooo beautiful i think.🕊️⛪
It was a very important part of my growing up as an Anglican in Ladysmith and then Maritzburg. I'm fact. I was surprised to find I still know all the words off NY heart!!!
Thanks Luke
This is just so well done and interesting and informative. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It was one of the favorite songs of a 90 yo woman in our church who just died a few weeks ago. A couple of her grandsons have been Marines. She was a strategic encourager. She requested this hymn among a few others for our congregation to sing, so we did sing it. There are some great videos to watch online of this song. I like the thought of Sullivan writing the music, all bells and whistles and pomp. Who could write it better? It is like a picture in the mind. Thank you.
Children need to be taught at an early age we are one in Jesus
Luke, thank you for these wonderful info on these great and blessed hymns.
When sang at church now give more and blessed meaning.
I learned this song in kindergarten at my Christian school.
Love this Hymn.💖👍
Hello, loved the way how it was explained. Today first time I found out about this song.Who needs healing and connection to Hilarion this song will bring closer.
Today I found out it is a hymn for Hilarion who is the chohan of the fifth ray of healing and truth. He is the hierarch of the Temple of Truth on the etheric plane near Crete, Greece.
Beautiful song Beautiful voice!
I think its spiritual just like you said and its perfect for children and adults.🎺🎶🎵
Here in England we are too apt to forget that we are called to be the Church Militant now, so as to be the Church Triumphant hereafter... Sadly, some churchmen seem to be strangely embarrassed by that.
I like that idea of children (or older persons, of course) marching from one village to another singing songs.
This is the first time I heard of this Hymn
This song was our homeschooling song for our children. Now it is our homeschooling song for my grandchildren ... I suspect it'll be the homeschooling song for the 3rd generation of homeschooled children in our family 🇺🇸😊
I remember my late mum since it
Beautiful
This blesses me thank you for sharing. I have a question though...
Why did you not sing the part that says: Crowns and thorns may parish 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.
Just asking....❤❤❤❤❤❤
❤❤❤❤
I sang this song in the Salvation Army back in the 1990s
Smile
We sang this regularly at school - never with such great gusto though as on breakup days!🤣😁
Excellent.
This is my favourite song when I'm fasting i hav heard my mum sing it in English and she was not good in English anyway the word was powerful to me,she say she learnt at kindergarten in the 60th,
This my warfare song
Great analysis.
Love this . Very interesting. Thanks you. 😇🇬🇧❤️🇮🇱
In Paul’s epistles Christians are clearly called soldiers. In a world of sin, soldiers are necessary. God Himself is called LORD of Hosts, which is a militaristic title. And the word of God says the kingdom of heaven is obtained by violence.
This hit me hard. Thank you
I think the melody of this song was inspired by Handel's "See the Conquering Hero".
Unpopular in churches that preach every gospel except the real one
Marching "as to war" not "to"