Russell Kelso Carter Grave

Hymn History: Standing on the Promises & Author: Russell Kelso Carter

“Russell Kelso Carter … was a man of many talents and contradictions – a gifted hymn writer, passionate preacher, and pioneering advocate of divine healing, whose life and teachings left a complex legacy that continues to inspire and unsettle.”
(Don Chapman)

The Origin of the Hymn “Standing on the Promises”

“Standing on the Promises” is a hymn that has traversed generations, anchoring the faith of believers in the steadfast assurance of God’s Word. Its confident refrain and triumphant melody have made it a favorite in church services, revival meetings, and personal devotions alike. Written in 1886 by Russell Kelso Carter, this hymn arose from a life marked by varied achievements, deep personal struggle, and an unwavering reliance on the promises of Scripture.

The Man Behind the Hymn

Russell Kelso Carter was born on November 18, 1849, in Baltimore, Maryland. An unusually gifted young man, Carter’s early life was marked by success in both academics and athletics. He attended the Pennsylvania Military Academy (now Widener University) where he excelled as an athlete and became a star in the school’s athletic programs. Later, Carter taught at the academy, was ordained as a Methodist minister, and eventually practiced as a physician. His life was characterized by a pursuit of excellence in all things, but beneath his worldly accomplishments lay a spiritual hunger that shaped his most enduring contribution to Christian worship.

A Turning Point of Faith

The inspiration for “Standing on the Promises” came during a season of intense personal crisis. In his 30s, Carter suffered a severe breakdown in health, diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition. When medical treatments offered little hope, he turned decisively toward God, praying fervently for healing. More than merely seeking physical restoration, Carter immersed himself in Scripture and clung to the promises of God found therein.

It was during this time that Carter came to a life-altering realization: faith was not simply an intellectual assent, but a lived experience grounded in God’s Word. As he poured over the Bible, verses such as 2 Corinthians 1:20—“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen…”—became foundational to his belief that God’s promises could be trusted without reservation. In this crucible of faith and suffering, “Standing on the Promises” was born.

Composition and First Publication

Carter not only wrote the lyrics but also composed the music for “Standing on the Promises.” The hymn was published in 1886 in the Promises of Perfect Love, a Christian hymnbook edited by Carter and John Sweney, a well-known gospel musician. The rousing rhythm of the hymn, marked by a confident, march-like tempo, reflected Carter’s own spiritual determination and the military discipline of his early years.

The hymn’s structure is distinctive: each stanza builds on the theme of reliance on God’s promises, culminating in the bold declaration of the refrain—“Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God my Savior.” Its lyrics embrace both the trials and triumphs of the Christian journey, proclaiming victory “in the howling storm of doubt and fear” and assurance “when the storms of life assail.”

Legacy and Influence

“Standing on the Promises” quickly gained popularity in evangelical circles and was incorporated into numerous hymnals across denominational lines. The hymn’s message of steadfast faith resonated deeply with 19th and early 20th-century believers, many of whom faced economic hardship, illness, and societal change. Yet its appeal has endured, continuing to inspire modern congregations and recording artists.

Russell Kelso Carter lived for many years after penning this hymn, his health improved, and his faith deepened. He went on to write several other hymns and books on Christian living, though none achieved the widespread influence of “Standing on the Promises.” He died in 1928 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of faith forged in adversity.

A Hymn for All Seasons

In a world where promises are often forgotten or broken, Carter’s hymn reminds believers of the unchanging nature of God’s Word. To “stand on the promises” is not a passive posture, but a call to active trust—rooted in Scripture, fortified by faith, and sustained by grace. Like the man who first wrote these words in his hour of need, Christians today can echo this hymn as a declaration of confidence in God’s eternal faithfulness.