Am I a Soldier of the Cross is a powerful Christian hymn that challenges believers to stand firm in faith and endure trials for Christ. Emphasizing themes of perseverance, spiritual warfare, and unwavering devotion, the lyrics call followers of Jesus to boldly embrace their calling without fear or hesitation.
CHORUS
Am I a soldier of the cross,
a foll’wer of the Lamb,
and shall I fear to own His cause,
or blush to speak His name?
VERSE 1
Must I be carried to the skies
on flow’ry beds of ease,
while others fought to win the prize,
and sailed thru bloody seas?
VERSE 2
Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
to help me on to God?
VERSE 3
Sure I must fight, if I would reign;
increase my courage, Lord!
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
supported by Thy word.
CHORUS
Am I a soldier of the cross,
a foll’wer of the Lamb,
and shall I fear to own His cause,
or blush to speak His name?
Story Behind the Song
Isaac Watts, often hailed as the “Father of English Hymnody,” penned “Am I a Soldier of the Cross” to accompany his sermon “Holy Fortitude, or Remedies Against Fear.” [1] This hymn reflects Watts’ intent to inspire believers to embrace courage and steadfastness in their Christian journey.
The hymn opens with introspective questions: “Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb?” These lines challenge believers to assess their commitment to Christ, echoing 1 Corinthians 16:13’s call to “stand firm in the faith.” [2] Watts contrasts the notion of a comfortable path to heaven—”Must I be carried to the skies on flow’ry beds of ease”—with the reality that true discipleship often involves trials, akin to those who “fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas.” This imagery underscores the expectation of enduring hardships for one’s faith.
Further, the hymn prompts believers to recognize the challenges they may face: “Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood?” Such reflections align with the biblical understanding that the world often stands in opposition to divine grace, necessitating vigilance and resilience. The concluding verse, “Sure I must fight, if I would reign; increase my courage, Lord,” emphasizes the need for divine strength to persevere, resonating with the exhortation in 2 Timothy 2:3 to “endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
Watts’ hymn serves as a timeless reminder that the Christian journey requires unwavering dedication and the fortitude to confront adversity, all while relying on God’s sustaining power.
A Call to Bold Christian Living
Am I a Soldier of the Cross is a call to endurance in the Christian faith, confronting the believer with the reality of spiritual warfare and the cost of discipleship.
“Am I a soldier of the cross, a foll’wer of the Lamb” challenges every Christian to examine their commitment to Christ, reflecting Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Following Christ requires boldness, not fear or shame, in proclaiming His name.
“Must I be carried to the skies on flow’ry beds of ease” questions an easy, struggle-free faith, reminding believers that suffering is inevitable. James 1:12 affirms that “blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,” emphasizing that perseverance leads to eternal reward.
While others “fought to win the prize, and sailed thru bloody seas,” the song calls believers to stand firm, echoing Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
“Sure I must fight, if I would reign” reinforces the biblical truth that victory comes through endurance. Revelation 2:10 urges believers to “be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Strength to endure does not come from human effort but from God’s Word.
“I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy word” reflects Psalm 119:50, “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”
Faith in Christ is not passive but active, requiring courage, perseverance, and unwavering devotion. The battle is real, but victory is assured for those who remain steadfast in Christ, the true reward of every faithful soldier.
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Am I A Soldier Of The Cross lyrics and music by Isaac Watts, (1724) Public Domain
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