Beyond the Sunset
A Sermon based on
the Hymn by Virgil P. Brock
Introduction:
“Beyond the Sunset” is a peaceful and hope-filled hymn that turns the
believer’s heart toward eternity. Written by Virgil P. Brock in 1936,
this hymn paints a gentle and beautiful picture of heaven as a land that
lies just beyond life’s final sunset. Like Psalm 116:15 and Revelation
14:13, it reminds us that the death of the faithful is not a tragic
end—but the beginning of eternal rest and joy with the Lord.
While many people
fear death, the Christian views it as a passage to glory. As 2
Corinthians 5:1 affirms, “If our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed,
we have a building from God... eternal in the heavens.” This hymn helps
us to let go of earthly anxiety and grasp the eternal promises of God.
It speaks of reunion, peace, and the joy of being with Jesus—forever
beyond the reach of sorrow and pain.
Let us now walk
through each stanza and let the words remind us to live now with
eternity in view, ever longing for that land beyond the sunset where
God’s light never fades.
Stanza 1:
“Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning, when with our Savior heaven is
begun...”
This stanza immediately brings us to the moment after death—a transition
from the shadows of this life to the dawn of eternity. For the
Christian, death is not darkness but light. Psalm 30:5 says, “Weeping
may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” That “blissful
morning” is the beginning of life with the Savior in heaven.
Philippians 1:23
reveals Paul’s desire “to depart and be with Christ, which is far
better.” This is the hope of the faithful—that heaven is not just a
place, but a reunion with the Lord Himself. The sunset of life leads to
the sunrise of eternity.
Stanza 2:
“Beyond the sunset, no clouds will gather, no storms will threaten, no
fears annoy...”
This stanza contrasts the instability of earthly life with the
unshakable peace of heaven. On earth, storms come—physical, emotional,
and spiritual. But heaven is cloudless and secure. Revelation 21:4 tells
us, “There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall
be no more pain.” There is no fear in the presence of perfect peace.
Here we are often
disturbed by worry, anxiety, and sin. But in heaven, the storms cease
forever. Isaiah 32:18 promises, “My people will dwell in a peaceful
habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” That is
the home prepared for us.
Stanza 3:
“Beyond the sunset, no parting, no sadness, no painful farewells, no
weeping eyes...”
This stanza speaks to the heartbreak of goodbyes. We live in a world of
separation—death, distance, and disease part us from those we love. But
heaven will reunite all the faithful. 1 Thessalonians 4:17–18 says, “We
shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these
words.”
The phrase “no
parting, no sadness” echoes Revelation 7:17, which says, “God will wipe
away every tear from their eyes.” In heaven, all sorrow is past, and joy
is forever. Every loss in this life will be healed by the joy of being
reunited—never again to be separated.
Stanza 4:
“Beyond the sunset, a hand will guide me to God the Father, whom I
adore...”
This final stanza affirms the believer’s confidence in the Lord’s care
and ultimate destination. We do not journey alone into death. Psalm 23:4
says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil; for You are with me.” The guiding hand of the Lord
leads us home.
And what is waiting
there? Not just golden streets—but God Himself. Heaven’s greatest joy is
to be with the Father. Revelation 22:4 says, “They shall see His face.”
Beyond the sunset lies the fulfillment of every spiritual longing—to be
forever in the presence of the God we worship.
Chorus: “I’ll
see my Savior beyond the sunset...”
Though the chorus is often implicit rather than lyrical in this hymn,
the central refrain in every stanza is this: we will see Jesus. John
14:3 assures us, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and receive you to Myself.” This chorus is the believer’s comfort and
anchor—Jesus will not forget His own.
Beyond the
Sunset Sermon Outline:
Stanza
1: Heaven Begins at Life’s End
-
Death is gain
for the Christian: Philippians 1:23
-
Joy comes in the
morning: Psalm 30:5
-
Life eternal
begins with Jesus: John 14:3
Stanza 2: A
Place Without Storms
-
No sorrow, pain,
or fear: Revelation 21:4
-
Peace replaces
all anxiety: Isaiah 32:18
-
Heaven is our
secure dwelling
Stanza 3: No
More Parting or Sadness
-
Eternal reunion
with the saints: 1 Thessalonians 4:17–18
-
God wipes away
every tear: Revelation 7:17
-
Comfort in
everlasting presence
Stanza 4:
Guided Safely to the Father
-
God walks with
us through death: Psalm 23:4
-
Heaven is where
we see His face: Revelation 22:4
-
Faith ends in
eternal worship
Chorus
(Implied): Joy in Seeing Jesus
-
Jesus will
receive His own: John 14:3
-
Our hope is
anchored in His return
-
Heaven is real
because He is there
Call to Action:
Are you ready to go beyond the sunset? This world will pass away, but
the faithful have a home that cannot be shaken. If you have not obeyed
the gospel—believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, confess His name, and
be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Then walk in the light and hold
fast your hope. The sunset may come—but for the child of God, it is not
the end. It is the door to glory, rest, reunion, and the eternal
presence of our Savior.
Scripture
Reference List:
Psalm 30:5 – Joy comes in the morning
Philippians 1:23 – To depart and be with Christ is far better
John 14:3 – I will receive you to Myself
Revelation 21:4 – No more death, sorrow, crying, or pain
Isaiah 32:18 – Secure and peaceful dwellings
1 Thessalonians 4:17–18 – Always be with the Lord
Revelation 7:17 – God will wipe away every tear
Psalm 23:4 – Fear no evil, for You are with me
Revelation 22:4 – They shall see His face
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized
Song Author
Credit:
“Beyond the Sunset” was written by
Virgil P. Brock
(1887–1978), an American gospel songwriter. Inspired by a breathtaking
sunset and a conversation with a blind man who said he could see it in
his soul, Brock penned this hymn as a meditation on the Christian’s
eternal hope and joy beyond this life.
Song History:
First published in 1936, “Beyond the Sunset” became a favorite hymn of
comfort, especially in funerals and memorial services. Among churches of
Christ, it remains beloved for its peaceful tone and firm scriptural
foundation. The hymn gently teaches us to trust in God’s promises and
look forward with assurance to the eternal day that lies beyond the
sunset.
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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