March 14, 2005

Standing on the Promises

Words and Music by Russell Kelso Carter, 1849-1928

    For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20.

    Russell Carter attended the Pennsylvania Military Academy, where he was a star athlete. After graduation in 1867, he stayed there to teach chemistry, natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics. He moved to California around 1873, but only stayed there three years. In 1887, he was ordained a Methodist minister. In 1891, he co-edited Hymns of the Christian Life with Albert B. Simpson. Eventually, Carter moved from the ministry into medicine, finishing his career as a doctor in Baltimore, Maryland.
    Hymns by Russell Carter include:

• Breathe Upon Us
• Cross of Christ Lead Onward
• Hope of the Ages, The

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.

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.

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

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.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Chorus:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.