Main message: Encourage Christians to follow Christ to conquer hardship.

Bible references: 

• V1. "a kingly crown" (Revelations 6:2)

"Banner" (Psalm 20:5)

"His train" (Isaiah 6:1)

"Cup of woe" (Matthew 26:39)

"Bears His cross" (John 19:17)

• V2. "martyr" (Revelations 6:9)

"Who saw the Master..." (Acts 7:55)

"He prayed for them..." (Acts 7:60)

• V3. "The chosen few" (1 Peter 2:9)

"Twelve valiant saints" (Matthew 10:1)

• V4. "around the Saviour's throne..." (Revelations 7:9)

"Peril, toil, and pain" (Revelations 7:14)

Keywords: The Son of God, war, kingly crown, the blooded banner, follows, His train, cup of woe, triumphant, pain, patient, bears, cross, The martyr, his Master, save, pardon, prayed, a glorious band, the chosen few, the Spirit, twelve valiant saints, hope, brandished steel, lion’s gory mane, a noble army, the Saviour’s throne, rejoice, robes of light, climbed, grace

Interpretation notes:

• The hymn uses steady quarter notes with some dotted rhythm. 

• The first, second, and last systems begin with a quieter melody and end with a stronger second phrase. 

• Unlike the bright ending of the other three systems, the third system’s melody moves downward. 

• There is contrast within each system and between the third system and the other three.