Faith Is The Victory
In this time of conflict and uncertainty, we are comforted by the words written in 1John 5: 4,5. For every one born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that overcomes the world even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
John Yates wrote this great hymn “Faith Is The Victory” in 1891. He worked at many different jobs including newspaper editor, hardware department manager, as a shoe salesman and became an ordained Methodist preacher, and later, a Baptist church pastor.
Mr. Yates sent “Faith Is The Victory” lyrics to Ira Sankey, who wrote the music for it. Being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and being the choir director, Ira Sankey fought to have organs and other musical instruments allowed in church worship services. His church bought one of the first organs ever used in a worship service. he was selected to attend the International Convention of Churches in Indianapolis, Indiana. At the age of 30 in 1870 he joined Rev. Dwight L Moody’s revival team. He became a song leader for Moody’s revival services and crusades around the world.
Ira Sankey is often referred to as “the father of the gospel song.” I hope that you will have a greater appreciation of the hymns by learning how they were written.
(Notes taken from “Stories Behind The Hymns”by Warren Shever,and “HymnPod.com” )
Faith Is The Victory
Lyrics: John H Yates, 1891 Music: Ira Sankey
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 swords 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.
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.
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.
