Chief
Chief of Sinners.
Composer: Russel Kelso Carter
1 Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.
2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
3 Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
4 Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List'ning ev'ry moment to the Spirit's call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
Story behind the song
Russell Kelso Carter was a man of diverse talents and interests, from being an excellent athlete in his youth to working as a professor in various subjects at the Pennsylvania Military Academy. In addition to teaching, he also authored textbooks, novels, and had interests in sheep-raising and medicine. One of his notable works includes the hymn "Standing on the Promises," composed in 1886 while teaching at the military academy. Carter's military experience is said to be reflected in the hymn's martial musical style.