Steve Green - Oh Men of God, Arise! Lyrics
Lyrics
Oh men of God arise, awake from slumber's night, shake off sin's drowsiness and rouse yourself to fight. Run from vain this distraction, keep your vision clear; cast out all fleshly stowaways, refuse to harbor fear.
Lift up the cup of holiness, drink long and take your fill, oh men of God arise to carry out to carry out God's will. Oh men of God arise, take up your sword and shield. Your foe has no defense against the power they wield. Christ has gained the victory the outcome is assured, Satan is defeated by the power of God's word.
Lift up the cup of holiness, drink long and take your fill, oh men of God arise to carry out to carry out God's will. Oh men of God arise and face the eastern skies, for Christ will soon descend with lightning in his eyes. Then our ancient foe long vanquished will meet his rightful end, and sin's dark night of terror will never fall again.
Lift up the cup of holiness, drink long and take your fill. Oh men of God arise to carry out, to carry out God's will. Oh men of God arise to carry out, to carry out God's will.
Video
Oh Men Of God, Arise!
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on January 1, 1996, as part of his album *The Letter*, Steve Green’s "Oh Men of God, Arise!" stands as a powerful and direct challenge to Christian men everywhere. From its opening declaration, the song eschews subtlety, launching straight into a fervent summons for spiritual awakening and purposeful living. It’s a battle cry, not just for the ears, but for the soul, compelling its audience to reflect on their walk of faith and take up their God-given responsibilities with renewed vigor.
The heart of "Oh Men of God, Arise!" lies in its urgent call to break free from spiritual complacency. The imagery of waking from "slumber's night" and shaking off "sin's drowsiness" immediately brings to mind passages like Romans 13:11, which implores believers to "wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." It is a candid acknowledgment that spiritual vigilance is not a passive state but an active choice, demanding an intentional departure from anything that might dull one’s sensitivity to God's presence and purpose. The song is a stark reminder that the Christian life is not merely a journey, but a spiritual war, requiring readiness and resolve.
The message quickly moves from awakening to active purification and focus. The lyrics press for individuals to "run from vain distraction" and "keep your vision clear," a powerful echo of Hebrews 12:1-2, which urges us to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles... fixing our eyes on Jesus." The call to "cast out all fleshly stowaways" resonates deeply with the biblical principle of sanctification, where believers are exhorted to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:13) and to live by the Spirit, refusing to gratify worldly desires (Galatians 5:16). Furthermore, the instruction to "refuse to harbor fear" is a foundational truth found throughout Scripture, reminding us of 2 Timothy 1:7, which assures us that God has given us "a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Central to the song's spiritual foundation is its repeated affirmation of holiness and divine will. The recurring invitation to "lift up the cup of holiness, drink long and take your fill" is a beautiful metaphor for a life consecrated to God, one that seeks spiritual nourishment and purity above all else. This imagery aligns with 1 Peter 1:15-16, which commands, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This commitment to holiness is directly linked to the ultimate purpose: to "carry out God's will." This resonates with Christ's own declaration in John 4:34, where He states His food is "to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work," setting the example for all who follow.
The song then transitions seamlessly into the theme of spiritual warfare, calling men to "take up your sword and shield." This is unmistakable imagery from Ephesians 6:10-17, outlining the full armor of God, where the sword is the Word of God and the shield is faith. It confidently asserts that the "foe has no defense against the power they wield," because "Christ has gained the victory, the outcome is assured, Satan is defeated by the power of God's word." This declaration is rooted in the triumph of Christ on the cross, as described in Colossians 2:15, where He disarmed the powers and authorities. It’s a potent reminder that the battle is real, yet the victory is already secured through Christ, empowering believers to stand firm and wage war with divine assurance.
Finally, "Oh Men of God, Arise!" culminates in a powerful declaration of eschatological hope, directing the gaze heavenward. The charge to "face the eastern skies, for Christ will soon descend with lightning in his eyes" paints a vivid picture of the Second Coming, a core tenet of Christian faith referenced in Acts 1:11 and Revelation 1:7. This future event is not merely an end but a culmination of God's redemptive plan, where the "ancient foe long vanquished will meet his rightful end," and "sin's dark night of terror will never fall again." This promise of ultimate victory and the eradication of evil, echoed in Revelation 20:10 and 21:4, provides profound motivation for present-day faithfulness, reminding every believer that their earthly struggle is temporary and their eternal reward is certain. In essence, Steve Green’s masterful composition serves as an enduring anthem, calling Christian men to a life of vigilance, holiness, active service, and unwavering hope in the triumphant return of their Lord.