Am I a Soldier of the Cross

Hymn lyrics and .mp3 Download

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1. Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb, and shall I fear to own his cause, or blush to speak his name?

2. Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas?

3. 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?

4. Sure I must fight, if I would reign; increase my courage, Lord. I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by thy word.

5. Thy saints in all this glorious war shall conquer though they die; they see the triumph from afar, by faith they bring it nigh.

6. When that illustrious day shall rise, and all thy armies shine in robes of victory through the skies, the glory shall be thine.

Words by: Isaac Watts, Sermons
Music by: Thomas A. Arne;
arr. by Ralph Harrison
Video so you can sing along to Am I a Soldier of the Cross

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Story of the hymn

Background
Isaac Watts (1674–1748), often called the Father of English Hymnody, wrote over 750 hymns.
He wanted hymns to be more than just psalm paraphrases—they should express personal faith and devotion.
“Am I a Soldier of the Cross” was published in 1724 in his collection Hymns and Spiritual Songs.

Inspiration & Theme
The hymn is a challenge to Christians: true discipleship means courage, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Watts was reflecting on passages like 2 Timothy 2:3 (“Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”) and Luke 9:23 (“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me”).
In the early 1700s, many believers in England and abroad faced ridicule, hardship, or even persecution. This hymn was written to strengthen their resolve.

The Hymn’s Message
It begins with self-examination: “Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb?”
Watts contrasts the idea of an “easy” Christian life with the real cost of discipleship—battles, struggles, and sacrifice.
The verses stir believers to courage:
Christians must not expect “flowery beds of ease.”
The fight of faith is real, but Christ the King promises victory and reward.