There's a Royal Banner - Hymn With Lyrics

1. There's a royal banner given for display
To the soldiers of the King;
As an ensign fair we lift it up today,
While as ransomed ones we sing.

Chorus:
Marching on, marching on,
For Christ count ev'ryth, ing but loss!
And to crown Him King,
toil and sing 'Neath the banner of the cross!

2 Though the foe may rage and gather as the flood,
Let the standard be displayed;
And beneath its folds, as soldiers of the Lord,
For the truth be not dismayed!

3 Over land and sea, wherever man may dwell,
Make the glorious tidings known;
Of the crimson banner now the story tell,
While the Lord shall claim His own!

4. When the glory dawns 'tis drawing very near--
It is hast'ning day by day;
Then before our King the foe shall disappear,
And the cross the world shall sway!


Scripture; 

Psalm 9:4, 

Psalm 60:4, Philippians 3:8

The hymn "There's a Royal Banner", also known by its opening line “There’s a royal banner given for display”, is a rousing gospel song that celebrates Christian service and spiritual warfare under the banner of Christ. It was written in the late 19th century during a period of strong evangelical fervor in the United States.

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📜 Background of the Hymn

• Lyrics by: Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915)

• Music by: J. B. (James) Kirkpatrick (1835–1921)

• First Published: Circa 1880s–1890s

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✍️ About the Author: Fanny J. Crosby

Fanny J. Crosby, one of the most prolific hymn writers in history, wrote thousands of hymns despite being blind from infancy. Her works were characterized by deep spiritual insight, scriptural grounding, and a heart for evangelism.

This hymn reflects her typical themes of victory, service, and dedication to Christ. It was written as an encouragement to Christians to actively and publicly declare their allegiance to Jesus, much like soldiers rallying under a king’s banner.

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🎶 Composer: J. B. Kirkpatrick

James Kirkpatrick frequently collaborated with Crosby. His tune for "There's a Royal Banner" is upbeat and march-like, perfectly matching the theme of bold Christian witness and spiritual triumph.

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📖 Scriptural Inspiration

The hymn is rooted in biblical military imagery, with strong references to:

• Isaiah 11:10, 12 –

  “...and to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.”
  “...he shall set up an ensign for the nations…”

• Psalm 60:4 –

  “Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth.”

• Song of Solomon 2:4 –

  “His banner over me was love.”

• Ephesians 6:10–17 –

  The full armor of God and standing firm in spiritual battle.

• 1 Corinthians 15:57 –

  “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The "royal banner" in the hymn symbolizes Christ’s victory and the believer’s calling to serve and proclaim Him.

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🕊️ Themes of the Hymn

• Victory through Christ

• Evangelistic zeal

• Loyalty to the Kingdom of God

• Boldness in faith

• Hope in eternal reward

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