1. Soldiers of Christ, arise And put your armor on, Strong in the strength which God supplies Throught his eternal Son; Strong in the Lord of Hosts, And in His mighty pow'r, Who in the strength of Jesus trusts Is more than conqueror. 2. Stand then in His great might, With all His strength endued, And take, to arm you for the fight, The panoply of God; From strength to strength go on, Wrestle and fight and pray; Tread all the pow'rs of darkness down, And win the well-fought day. 3. Leave no unguarded place, No weakness of the soul; Take every virtue, ev'ry grace, And fortify the whole. That having all things done, And all your conflicts past, Ye may o'ercome through Christ alone, And stand complete at last.
Lyrics:
Charles Wesley
Music:
George Job Elvey
Tune: DIADEMATA
Meter: S.M.D.
Charles Wesley, 1707–1788
Charles Wesley knew much about the Christian life as warfare. Many times both John and Charles were physically abused for their evangelical ministries. This text was first published in 1749 and was titled “The Whole Armor of God—Ephesians VI.” The hymn has often been referred to as “the Christian’s bugle blast” for its strong call to arms.