FAITH IS THE VICTORY, a Hymn Devotion for 26 June 2018 Anno Domini
St. Andrews Anglican Parish Church
“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:1-5; all scripture quoted is from the King James Version)
What is the one thing that fuels faith, which is an act of Grace from God? It is love, and love comes from God to us as an eternal resource.
This lively hymn was composed by John H. Yates (1891) and the music is the composition of the renowned Ira Sankey. The only victory we have comes by faith, and faith comes from a grant of grace by God.
FAITH IS THE VICTORY
Encamped along the hills of light,
Ye Christian soldiers, rise.
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below
Let all our strength be hurled.
Faith is the victory, we know,
That overcomes the world.
Refrain
Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.
His banner over us is love,
Our sword the Word of God.
We tread the road the saints above
With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
Swept on o’er every field.
The faith by which they conquered death
Is still our shining shield.
Refrain
On every hand the foe we find
Drawn up in dread array.
Let tents of ease be left behind,
And onward to the fray.
Salvation’s helmet on each head,
With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
And echo with our shout.
Refrain
To him that overcomes the foe,
White raiment shall be giv’n.
Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in Heav’n.
Then onward from the hill of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus’ conqu’ring Name.
Refrain
“Encamped along the hills of light, Ye Christian soldiers, rise. And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies. Against the foe in vales below Let all our strength be hurled. Faith is the victory, we know, That overcomes the world.” An encampment, to this old military mind, brings to light the memories of long marches and, finally, encampment at some suitable resting place. The Bible is filled with references to military terms such as trumpets, rolls, marches, commands, armor, swords, etc. We are, in fact, an Army on the move for Christ. We travel light, and we adhere to the old battle axiom – “the best defense is a fervent offense.” We move continually against the darkened ramparts of the enemy. We march in the open much like the British Redcoats of old. We also occupy the high ground which gives advantage of light and of vision to spot the enemies movements. Faith is a product of a first-endowed grace: “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved😉 (Ephesians 2:5) The carnal mind has trouble receiving the truth of his salvation not being of his own volition; but we were all dead in trespasses and sin ere the Holy Spirit made us alive in Christ. The dead know nothing at all. We are saved by GRACE unto FAITH.
“His banner over us is love, Our sword the Word of God. We tread the road the saints above
With shouts of triumph trod. By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath, Swept on o’er every field. The faith by which they conquered death Is still our shining shield.” Love is a mighty banner, and it is the strongest of banners. The gilt-edged and highly adorned banners of the enemy may enjoy a short victory, but then comes death. Loves knows no death. It survives death according Romans 8. The sword we wield is a mighty sword which cuts two ways – to either convict, or to condemn. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Not only do we follow in the tracks of the saints, but also of our Lord. We take up our crosses daily and follow Him; and we drink from the same Cup from which He drank.
“On every hand the foe we find Drawn up in dread array. Let tents of ease be left behind, And onward to the fray. Salvation’s helmet on each head, With truth all girt about, The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread, And echo with our shout.” When Israel pitched there camp in battle array against the formidable Philistines by the Valley of Elah, it seemed that there was no hope of victory; yet a young boy volunteered to face the fierce giant, Goliath, when none of the hardened veterans of war would chance it. It was faith that drove David to the fight. It was God that directed the stone to the giants forehead! David left the heavy accoutrements of war behind and took only a sling shot. He gathered five smooth stones just in case the four sons of the giant might join the battle. (see 2 Samuel 21).
“To him that overcomes the foe, White raiment shall be giv’n. Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in Heav’n. Then onward from the hill of light, Our hearts with love aflame, We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night, In Jesus’ conqu’ring Name.” The overcoming saint is the one whom God has called and chosen from eternity past. Like an iron magnet proves the metal of its object, so does God foreordain the chosen of His flock. Just as the prodigal son was given a robe to cover his filth and nakedness, so will the saint be given a White Robe of Righteousness purchased by the blood of Christ. The name of the saint is confessed in heaven long before he goes there. We are the children of the Day and of the Light. We march against the sinister forces of darkness – but darkness fades in the presence of light. Darkness is no power at all – in fact, it is the complete absence of power. Light is power, and darkness has no claim on it.
REFRAIN: “Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.” Christ has overcome the world, therefore, in Christ, our Victory has already been declared.
