John Henry Yates Grave

Hymn History: Faith Is the Victory & Translator: John Henry Yates

“Life wasn’t always easy for John H. Yates … He knew hard work. … Shortly after his interaction with Ira D. Sankey, Yates wrote ‘Faith Is the Victory’. … Yates knew what it meant to ‘let tents of ease be left behind’, but he recognized that there is reward for suffering and enduring hardship.”
(Hymns for Family Worship)

The Origin of the Hymn “Faith Is the Victory”

Few hymns capture the triumphant spirit of Christian faith as vividly as “Faith Is the Victory.” With its stirring imagery of spiritual warfare and its confident refrain, this hymn has inspired believers for more than a century to stand firm in the battles of life, trusting in the power of faith to overcome the world. The hymn was written in 1891 by John Henry Yates, with music composed by Ira David Sankey, one of the most influential gospel musicians of the 19th century. Together, these two men created a hymn that continues to echo the victorious message of 1 John 5:4: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

The Writer: John Henry Yates

John Henry Yates (1837–1900) was an American minister, hymn writer, and newspaper editor. He was born in Batavia, New York, where he spent much of his life serving his community in various capacities. Before entering the ministry, Yates worked as a shoe salesman and later as a hardware store clerk. His experience among working-class people gave him a practical and approachable spirit that deeply influenced his preaching and hymn writing.

Yates began writing poetry and hymns at a young age, often contributing to local newspapers and religious periodicals. He was licensed to preach by the Methodist Episcopal Church and later ordained as a Free Methodist minister. His writings reveal a deep sense of faith and a strong conviction that the Christian life is a battle fought not with earthly weapons but through trust in Christ.

By the time “Faith Is the Victory” was written, Yates had already developed a reputation as a writer whose words encouraged steadfastness and hope. His hymns often drew upon themes of courage, perseverance, and the joy of salvation—values deeply rooted in his own personal walk with God.

The Composer: Ira David Sankey

Ira D. Sankey (1840–1908) was already a towering figure in gospel music by the time he collaborated with Yates. Known as the musical partner of evangelist Dwight L. Moody, Sankey had traveled widely throughout America and Great Britain, leading massive revival meetings that drew thousands. His warm baritone voice and gift for composing melodies that were both memorable and spiritually stirring made him a key figure in shaping modern hymnody.

Sankey’s hymn collections—such as Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs—became household staples in the late 19th century. He often set to music the words of other writers, helping to bring their poetry to life for congregations everywhere. His collaboration with Yates on “Faith Is the Victory” was one of the most successful of these pairings.

Inspiration and Biblical Foundation

The inspiration for “Faith Is the Victory” comes directly from 1 John 5:4, which declares faith as the believer’s means of victory over the trials and temptations of the world. The hymn captures the military imagery common in 19th-century Christian writing, portraying believers as soldiers in the army of Christ. However, rather than emphasizing human strength or valor, Yates centers the hymn on the power of faith—a trust that conquers not by force, but by steadfast reliance on God’s promises.

The first stanza sets the tone:

Encamped along the hills of light,
Ye Christian soldiers, rise,
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies.

Here, Yates paints a vivid picture of Christians preparing for spiritual battle. The hymn continues with a series of metaphors—armor, banners, and shining swords—that echo the Apostle Paul’s description of the “whole armor of God” in Ephesians 6. Yet the recurring refrain reminds singers that the true source of victory is faith itself:

Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.

Publication and Early Use

The hymn was first published in Ira Sankey’s Gospel Hymns No. 3 in 1891. The collection was one of a series of hymnbooks edited and compiled by Sankey for use in revival meetings and church services. Like many of Sankey’s hymns, “Faith Is the Victory” quickly gained popularity for its energetic rhythm and rousing melody.

Its martial tone resonated with the revivalist spirit of the late 19th century, when Christianity was often described in terms of conquest—not military conquest, but the spiritual conquest of hearts and nations through the gospel. The hymn was frequently sung at camp meetings, Sunday school gatherings, and evangelistic services, inspiring believers to live courageously for Christ.

The Message and Enduring Appeal

At its heart, “Faith Is the Victory” is not about triumph in worldly terms. It is about spiritual victory—over sin, fear, and doubt—through steadfast belief in Jesus Christ. Yates reminds believers that their battle is fought not with human weapons, but with faith that clings to divine truth. The hymn’s imagery of armor and light serves as a reminder that the Christian life is active, disciplined, and forward-moving, grounded in the unshakable assurance of God’s power.

The hymn also reflects the optimism and confidence that characterized much of 19th-century evangelicalism. It celebrates not only the individual believer’s faith but also the collective faith of the Church—the “army of the living God.” Generations of Christians have drawn courage from its stirring call to perseverance, especially in times of trial and opposition.

Legacy

Today, more than a century after its first publication, “Faith Is the Victory” remains a beloved hymn in both traditional and evangelical circles. It continues to be sung in churches, revival meetings, and gospel concerts, often accompanied by stories of how its message has strengthened believers in difficult times.

For John Henry Yates and Ira Sankey, the hymn represented a shared conviction: that the Christian’s greatest weapon is unwavering trust in the Lord. In every age, its refrain rings true—faith, not strength or wisdom, is the victory that overcomes the world.

As long as believers face trials and spiritual battles, “Faith Is the Victory” will continue to remind them of the triumphant power of faith in the risen Christ—the victory that conquers all.