The Christ was Sent to Wage a War
A battle hymn
Editor’s Note:
These past few days have been a mental battle for me. However, reading this recent hymn composed by James brought much-needed relief, both mentally and spiritually. I hope you will find the same relief.
For your Tuesday reading, a battle hymn.
- Frank Theodat
The Christian life is one of war. War on our own sin, but also “against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6.12)
A topic that’s neglected in hymnody and more broadly. But Christ came to conquer, to win that war, as well as to save and that’s what this hymn was about.
It has sat, looking for the right tune, for a while now. I prepared a contemporary version, which could work well when I find someone to write a tune, but for now I thought I’d share the 5 verse original.
The Christ was sent to wage a war
Against the serpent's kin
To kill the snake, Eden restore
and do away with sin.
Our Christ stood firm against sin's call,
The Serpent's poison failed.
Christ bound the strong man, freed us all
And ever since prevailed.
As Christ was raised our sin to take
upon Golgotha's hill
The cross was driven, like a stake
Into the serpent's skull.
Christ died to drain the serpent's power
He rose, to conquer death.
His kingdom grows in every hour
Since he once more took breath.
Christ has ascended to the skies
And he shall come again.
The serpent slain shall never rise
But Christ will always reign.
I almost love it, but the last couple of stanzas don't rhyme or flow as well as the first three.