Onward Christian Soldiers

Fountainview Academy's "Onward, Christian Soldiers" puts the cross at the front of the line: the soldiers march "with the cross of Jesus going on before," and "Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe." Whatever battle the song means, the army only follows. The call echoes 2 Timothy 2:3, where Paul urges Timothy to endure "as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

The second verse moves from the battle to the army itself. "Like a mighty army moves the Church of God," and its strength is unity: "We are not divided; all one body we: one in hope and doctrine, one in charity." That line closely follows Ephesians 4:4, "one body, and one Spirit... one hope of your calling."

The last verse widens the ranks, inviting "ye people" to "join our happy throng" and blend their voices "in the triumph song." It ends on worship rather than combat, "glory, laud, and honor unto Christ, the King," sung "through countless ages" by "men and angels," much like the angelic chorus around the throne in Revelation 5:11-12. Three verses are sung here, with the chorus after the first.