Most Christians today may never have heard the old hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers.”

Older readers who have heard of traditional church hymnal music will remember it.

Many people react negatively to the song, wrongly believing it talks about the Crusades and Christian violence.

The radical left labels it as “Christian nationalism.”

However, if you listen to the lyrics of the song, it talks about spiritual war.

The lyrics are awesome and theologically correct.

I ran across this video that not only plays the song but also gives a complete history of why it was written, why the Salvation Army picked it up as its theme song, and why churches around America and the world have used it in the past.

I know you’ll enjoy viewing this video, learning a little about church history, and understanding what this song is about.

Click here to watch the history of “Onward Christian Soldiers” and hear the song.

Here are the lyrics:

“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!

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! [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

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 thro’ countless ages

men and angels sing. [Refrain]”