Glory to His Name
A Sermon based on
the Hymn by Elisha A. Hoffman
Introduction:
“Glory to His Name” is a triumphant hymn of personal salvation and
heartfelt praise. Written by Elisha A. Hoffman in 1878, this hymn
celebrates the believer’s joy at the foot of the cross. Its message is
simple, yet profound: through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are
redeemed, cleansed, and made new. And in response, we give glory—not to
ourselves, not to a religion, not to human effort—but to
His name.
Rooted in scriptures
such as Hebrews 9:12–14, Ephesians 1:7, and Psalm 115:1, the hymn traces
the personal experience of salvation back to its source: the cross. It
leads us to rejoice in what God has done
for us, and invites others to
come share in that same cleansing fountain. This song is not just a
testimony—it’s an invitation, a celebration, and a call to continual
worship.
Let us now reflect
on each stanza and see how this hymn magnifies the saving power of Jesus
and calls every soul to give glory where it is due—to His name alone.
Stanza 1: “Down
at the cross where my Savior died, down where for cleansing from sin I
cried...”
This stanza opens with the believer at the foot of the cross—a place of
humility, repentance, and hope. The language echoes Luke 23:33, where
Jesus was crucified, and John 19:34, where His blood was poured out. It
is there, in the shadow of the cross, that our salvation begins.
The cleansing we cry
out for is not symbolic—it is real. 1 John 1:7 tells us, “The blood of
Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” At the cross, the sinner
is made whole. And as the stanza concludes, the response is immediate:
“Glory to His name!” Not glory to the penitent, not to a preacher, but
to the Savior who makes forgiveness possible.
Stanza 2: “I am
so wondrously saved from sin, Jesus so sweetly abides within...”
This stanza shifts to the joy of assurance. Salvation is not just
something that happened at
the cross—it’s something that continues
within the heart of the
believer. When one is baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3–4), the old man
of sin is put to death, and a new life begins. Jesus “abides within”
through the indwelling of His word and Spirit (Galatians 2:20; Romans
8:9–11).
The line “there at
the cross where He took me in” reflects John 6:37—“The one who comes to
Me I will by no means cast out.” There is no rejection at the cross for
the penitent sinner. Only welcome, transformation, and peace. Again, the
chorus echoes:
Glory to His name!
Stanza 3: “Oh,
precious fountain that saves from sin, I am so glad I have entered
in...”
Here the cleansing blood of Christ is described as a “precious
fountain”—an image drawn from Zechariah 13:1 and fulfilled in Jesus.
That fountain is open to all, but not all choose to enter it. The joy of
the saved is not just that the fountain exists, but that they have
entered in through
obedience to the gospel.
Titus 3:5 reminds us
that we are saved by “the washing of regeneration.” That fountain flows
not from human righteousness but from the mercy of God. And once inside,
we live with the confidence of Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no
condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Stanza 4: “Come
to this fountain so rich and sweet, cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s
feet...”
This final stanza is a call to the lost. The gospel is not exclusive—it
is an open invitation to all who will come. Jesus Himself says in
Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest.” The fountain is not dry, the door is not closed,
and the Savior’s feet are not far.
To “cast thy poor
soul” means to surrender, to repent, and to seek mercy. It is the spirit
of the tax collector in Luke 18:13 who said, “God, be merciful to me, a
sinner!” Those who respond to that call will find the same cleansing,
the same joy, and the same reason to cry:
Glory to His name!
Chorus: “Glory
to His name, glory to His name, there to my heart was the blood
applied...”
The chorus ties every stanza to the personal application of the cross.
This is not theoretical—it is
my heart that was cleansed.
My sins that were
forgiven. My soul
that was redeemed. The response is not cold doctrine—it is worship.
Psalm 115:1 says, “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name
give glory.” Every Christian should sing these words with conviction and
awe.
Glory to His
Name Sermon Outline:
Stanza
1: The Cross Where Salvation Begins
-
Jesus’ sacrifice
at the cross: Luke 23:33; John 19:34
-
Cleansing
through His blood: 1 John 1:7
-
Glory belongs to
Christ, not self: Ephesians 2:8–9
Stanza 2: The
Joy of Christ Within
-
Saved and
transformed: Romans 6:3–4
-
Christ lives in
the believer: Galatians 2:20
-
Jesus welcomes
all: John 6:37
Stanza 3: The
Precious Fountain of Grace
-
The fountain of
cleansing: Zechariah 13:1
-
Entered through
gospel obedience: Titus 3:5
-
No condemnation
in Christ: Romans 8:1
Stanza 4: The
Open Invitation to Come
-
Invitation to
the weary: Matthew 11:28
-
Cast yourself on
His mercy: Luke 18:13
-
Salvation is
open to all: Revelation 22:17
Chorus: Praise
Where Praise Is Due
-
Blood applied to
the heart: Romans 5:9
-
Glory belongs to
God alone: Psalm 115:1
-
Worship as a
natural response to grace
Call to Action:
Have you stood at the foot of the cross? Has the blood of Jesus been
applied to your heart through obedient faith? If not, today is the day.
Come to the fountain. Repent. Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). And then live every day
proclaiming, Glory to His name!
If you are already His, don’t let the wonder of your salvation grow
cold. Reflect daily on the cross—and let your life sing His praise.
Scripture
Reference List:
Luke 23:33 – Jesus crucified at Calvary
John 19:34 – Blood and water from Jesus’ side
1 John 1:7 – The blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin
Ephesians 2:8–9 – Salvation is the gift of God
Romans 6:3–4 – Baptized into His death, raised to new life
Galatians 2:20 – Christ lives in me
John 6:37 – He will not cast out those who come
Zechariah 13:1 – A fountain opened for cleansing
Titus 3:5 – Washing of regeneration and renewal
Romans 8:1 – No condemnation in Christ
Matthew 11:28 – Come unto Me and I will give you rest
Luke 18:13 – God be merciful to me, a sinner
Revelation 22:17 – Let him who thirsts come
Romans 5:9 – Justified by His blood
Psalm 115:1 – Not unto us, but to Your name give glory
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins
Song Author
Credit:
“Glory to His Name” was written by
Elisha A. Hoffman
(1839–1929), a prolific hymn writer and preacher known for composing
over 2,000 hymns. His deep love for the gospel and strong doctrinal
grounding shine through in this joyful hymn of salvation and praise.
Song History:
Published in 1878, “Glory to His Name” quickly became a favorite in
revival meetings and worship services. It was included in many hymnals
used by churches of Christ and remains a powerful declaration of
gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice. Its singable melody and sincere
message continue to stir the hearts of believers across generations.
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
