The Fight Is On
By Mrs. C. H. Morris (1905)
Lyrics
The cry "To arms!" is heard afar and near;
The Lord of hosts is marching on to victory,
The triumph of the Christ will soon appear.
The fight is on, O Christian soldier,
And face to face in stern array,
With armor gleaming, and colors streaming,
The right and wrong engage today!
The fight is on, but be not weary;
Be strong and in His might hold fast;
If God be for us, His banner o'er us,
We'll sing the victor's song at last!
Jehovah leads, and vict'ry will assure;
Go, buckle on the armor God has given you,
And in His strength unto the end endure.
The bow of promise spans the eastern sky;
His glorious name in ev'ry land shall honored be;
The morn will break, the dawn of peace is nigh.
Bible Reference
1 Timothy 6:12
Lectionary & readings
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Hymn scripture: 1 Timothy 6:12
About This Hymn
“The Fight Is On” by Mrs. C. H. Morris is a spirited hymn from 1911 that captures the bold and energetic spirit of Christian perseverance. Written during a time when revival meetings and evangelistic campaigns were flourishing across America, this hymn carries the sound and energy of believers who understood the Christian life as an active and courageous battle for truth. Its language is vivid and stirring, calling every follower of Christ to stand firm with confidence in the strength of God.
Morris presents the Christian walk as a real conflict against sin, temptation, and spiritual forces that oppose the gospel. Yet the tone of the hymn is far from fearful. It is triumphant and confident because the believer does not fight alone. God equips, steadies, and strengthens His people. The hymn encourages Christians to enter the conflict with faith, knowing that Christ leads His army and guarantees the final victory.
The first stanza sets the stage by describing the moment when the believer recognizes the battle and steps forward. The imagery of rallying to Christ’s banner reflects the strong revival influence of the early twentieth century. Believers are not called to hide or retreat but to take their stand.
The second stanza reminds worshippers that the enemy’s attacks are real, but God’s power is greater. The hymn balances warning with encouragement, urging Christians to remain alert while trusting in the divine strength that carries them through every struggle. It echoes the biblical theme that spiritual warfare is fought not with human weapons but with faith, prayer, and obedience.
The third stanza lifts the singer’s vision upward, promising the final triumph that awaits every faithful believer. Morris speaks of crowns, glory, and the joy of victory that belongs to those who stand firm until the end. This hope strengthens weary hearts, making the hymn both a call to courage and a source of comfort.
Musically, the hymn is fast-paced and lively, often accompanied by enthusiastic congregational singing. Its marching rhythm mirrors the forward movement of Christian devotion, giving worshippers a sense of purpose and unity. It has long been a favorite in churches that emphasize strong gospel singing, revival fervor, and joyful commitment to God’s work.
“The Fight Is On” continues to inspire believers today because it speaks directly to the challenges of discipleship while lifting the heart with assurance of God’s sustaining grace. It reminds Christians that faith is lived with courage, that spiritual conflict is real, and that victory comes through Christ alone.
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