Encamped Along the Hills of Light - Hymn With Lyrics

1. 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.

Chorus:
Faith is the victory! (Faith is the victory!)
Faith is the victory! (Faith is the victory!)
Oh, glorious victory
That overcomes the world.

2. His banner over us is love,
Our sword 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 ev'ry field;
The faith by which they conquered death
Is still our shining shield. [Chorus]

3. To him who 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 hills of light,
Our hearts with love aflame;
We'll vanquish all the hosts of night
In Jesus' conq'ring name. [Chorus]

Scripture; Song of Solomon 2:4, 

Ephesians 6:17, 

Hebrews 11, 1 John 5:4-5,

The hymn "Encamped Along the Hills of Light"—commonly known by its refrain "Faith is the Victory"—is a triumphant Christian hymn that draws its inspiration from the imagery of spiritual warfare in the New Testament, especially from 1 John 5:4.

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📜 Background of the Hymn

• Lyrics by: John H. Yates (1837–1900)

• Music by: Ira D. Sankey (1840–1908)

• First published: 1891 in Gospel Hymns No. 5

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✍️ The Lyricist – John H. Yates

John H. Yates was a layman and poet from New York who worked in various trades—shoemaking, selling, and newspaper editing—before becoming known for his gospel hymns. His poetry and hymns often emphasized hope, victory, and spiritual perseverance.

In "Encamped Along the Hills of Light," Yates uses military metaphors to describe the Christian’s spiritual journey, encouraging believers to be brave and steadfast in the fight of faith.

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🎶 The Composer – Ira D. Sankey

Ira Sankey, the famous gospel singer and music leader who partnered with evangelist Dwight L. Moody, composed the tune for this hymn. His stirring, upbeat melody gave the lyrics a bold, victorious feel, making it a favorite in revival meetings and church services.

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📖 Scriptural Basis

The hymn is directly inspired by:

1 John 5:4 (KJV):

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

This verse is echoed in the refrain:

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
Oh, glorious victory that overcomes the world.

It also reflects themes from:

• Ephesians 6:10–17 – The armor of God

• Hebrews 11 – The "faith chapter," recounting the victories of the faithful