Am I a Soldier of the Cross
Am I a soldier of the cross
The hymn articulates a robust doctrine of Christian discipleship rooted in the suffering of Christ and the believer's call to take up the cross. Lutheran hymnals preserved it as a witness to faith's demands and the Christian's participation in Christ's redemptive suffering through faithful witness and perseverance.
History & Background
Written by Isaac Watts in 1709 and published in his Hymns and Spiritual Songs, this hymn became one of the most influential Methodist and evangelical hymns of the 18th-19th centuries. It has been widely translated and adapted across Protestant denominations including Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 658
- Chalice Hymnal — 604
- Lutheran Worship — 262
- Trinity Hymnal — 573
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 445
- United Methodist Hymnal — 511
Bulletin Note
Written by Isaac Watts in 1709, this enduring hymn became a touchstone of evangelical and Lutheran hymnody. Its unflinching question—'Am I a soldier?'—reflects Reformation conviction that faith demands active, costly discipleship rooted in Christ's cross.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Law's demand for sacrificial discipleship while anchoring believers in the Gospel's promise that Christ's cross-victory sustains our courage and transforms suffering into witness.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Call to spiritual warfare → empowerment through Christ → equipment with God's promises → sustained struggle and victory
Themes
Christian courage Cross-bearing discipleship Spiritual warfare Commitment to Christ Martyrdom and witness