The Son of God Goes Forth to War (Hymn)

The Son of God Goes Forth to War is a powerful Christian hymn that portrays Jesus as the victorious leader in a spiritual battle, calling His followers to endure suffering and remain faithful. Centered on themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and triumph in Christ, the hymn reflects biblical teachings on discipleship and the cost of following Him.

VERSE 1
The Son of God goes forth to war,
a kingly crown to gain;
His blood-red banner streams afar:
who follows in His train?
Who best can drink his cup of woe,
triumphant over pain,
who patient bears his cross below,
he follows in his train.

VERSE 2
The martyr first, whose eagle eye
could pierce beyond the grave,
who saw his Master in the sky
and called on him to save:
like him, with pardon on his tongue
in midst of mortal pain,
he prayed for them that did the wrong:
who follows in his train?

VERSE 3
A glorious band, the chosen few
on whom the Spirit came,
twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew,
and mocked the cross and flame:
they met the tyrant’s brandished steel,
the lion’s gory mane;
they bowed their necks the death to feel:
who follows in their train?

VERSE 4
A noble army, men and boys,
the matron and the maid,
around the Savior’s throne rejoice,
in robes of light arrayed:
they climbed the steep ascent of heaven
through peril, toil, and pain:
O God, to us may grace be given
to follow in their train.

Story Behind the Song

Reginald Heber, an Anglican bishop, penned “The Son of God Goes Forth to War” in 1812. Heber, born in 1783, served as the rector of his father’s church in Hodnet, England, for sixteen years before becoming the Bishop of Calcutta in 1823. His tenure in India was brief, as he passed away in 1826. The hymn was published posthumously in 1827 in his collection “Hymns Written and Adapted to the Weekly Church Service of the Year.” [1]

The hymn’s music, known as “All Saints New,” was composed by Henry Stephen Cutler in 1872 specifically for Heber’s text. Cutler, born in Boston in 1825, was an accomplished organist who studied in Europe before holding various positions in American churches. He introduced “All Saints New” in the “Hymnal with Tunes Old and New” in 1872. [2]

Over time, “The Son of God Goes Forth to War” has been featured in numerous hymnals and has inspired various musical adaptations. Its enduring message continues to resonate with congregations worldwide.