Heaven Holds All to Me

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Heaven Holds All to Me

A Sermon based on the hymn by Tillit S. Teddlie

Introduction

“Heaven Holds All to Me” is a deeply personal and spiritually rich hymn composed by Tillit S. Teddlie, a faithful member of the church of Christ and one of the most influential hymn writers in the brotherhood. The hymn is a simple yet profound declaration of hope, longing, and unwavering devotion to the eternal home God has promised to the faithful.

What makes this hymn so powerful is not only its melody, but the clarity of its message: the Christian’s heart is not set on this world. Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “For our citizenship is in heaven; from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” The hymn’s verses express the soul’s yearning for that home—not out of escape, but out of joyful anticipation for what God has prepared.

Jesus said in John 14:2–3, “In my Father's house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.” That promise becomes the heartbeat of this hymn. Earth is not our final destination. No matter how beautiful life may seem at times, or how painful it may become, heaven surpasses it all.

“Heaven Holds All to Me” calls us to let go of earthly entanglements and fix our eyes on the goal. It is a song of vision, of encouragement, and of homesick joy. For the Christian, heaven is not just an idea—it is our treasure, our home, and our eternal reward. And if that is true, then nothing here can compare—heaven holds all to me.

Stanza 1

“Earth holds no treasures but perish with using,
However precious they be;
Yet there's a country to which I am going:
Heaven holds all to me.”

This first stanza begins with a sobering truth: everything on this earth is temporary. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19–20 not to lay up treasures on earth “where moth and rust destroy,” but to store them in heaven. The most precious things of this world—riches, possessions, fame—will not last. Instead, the Christian fixes their eyes on “a better country, that is, an heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16). This verse doesn’t downplay life’s blessings—it simply puts them in their place. Compared to heaven, earth’s best riches fade away.

Stanza 2

“Out on the hills of that wonderful country,
Happy, contented and free,
Loved ones are waiting and watching my coming:
Heaven holds all to me.”

This stanza speaks to the sweet fellowship we anticipate in the eternal kingdom. Revelation 14:13 assures us that those who die in the Lord “rest from their labors.” Many of us have loved ones who have died in Christ—faithful saints who endured the race and now await the resurrection. This verse reminds us that heaven is not just a destination; it is a reunion. While we are still walking by faith, they have gone before us, “waiting and watching.” That great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) cheers us on as we long to join them.

Stanza 3

“Why should I long for the world with its sorrows,
When in that home o’er the sea,
Millions are singing the wonderful story?
Heaven holds all to me.”

Here, the contrast between sorrow and glory comes into full focus. The world offers hardship, grief, disappointment, and temptation. But heaven offers joy, comfort, and endless praise. Revelation 21:4 promises that in heaven “there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” And Revelation 7:9–10 pictures “a great multitude… standing before the throne,” praising the Lamb. Why would we cling to a broken world when glory awaits?

Chorus

“Heaven holds all to me,
Brighter its glory will be;
Joy without measure will be my treasure:
Heaven holds all to me.”

The chorus captures the theme with perfect clarity. Heaven is everything. Its glory is brighter, its joy deeper, its treasures eternal. Paul wrote in Romans 8:18 that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Heaven is not just better than earth—it is beyond comparison. For the Christian, there is no hesitation. There is no second-guessing. Our hope is fixed. Heaven holds all to me.

Heaven Holds All to Me Sermon Outline:

Introduction:

• Written by Tillit S. Teddlie, faithful member of the church of Christ

• The hymn reflects the Christian’s eternal focus (Philippians 3:20)

• Each stanza builds the case for why heaven is our true home

Stanza 1 – Earthly Treasures Fade:

• Earth’s riches are temporary (Matthew 6:19–20)

• Heaven is an eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:3–4)

• Faith looks to a better country (Hebrews 11:16)

Stanza 2 – Heaven is a Place of Reunion:

• Saints rest from their labors (Revelation 14:13)

• Loved ones in Christ await the resurrection

• The faithful are part of a great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1)

Stanza 3 – Contrast Between Sorrow and Singing:

• The world is full of sorrow and sin

• Heaven is filled with praise and peace (Revelation 21:4)

• The redeemed sing the story of salvation (Revelation 7:9–10)

Chorus – Heaven Is Everything:

• Glory beyond compare (Romans 8:18)

• Joy without measure (Psalm 16:11)

• Heaven is not one blessing among many—it holds all

Call to Action

Where is your heart? Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). If heaven holds all to you, then your life should reflect that hope. Let go of the world’s distractions. Cling to Christ. Obey the gospel. Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Live faithfully. Long for your eternal home. Because for the faithful Christian, heaven isn’t just better—it is everything.

Scripture Reference List

Matthew 6:19–21 – Lay up treasures in heaven
Hebrews 11:16 – A better country, a heavenly one
Revelation 14:13 – The dead in the Lord rest from their labors
Hebrews 12:1 – Surrounded by a cloud of witnesses
Revelation 21:4 – No more sorrow, crying, or pain in heaven
Revelation 7:9–10 – Multitude praising before the throne
Romans 8:18 – Present sufferings not worthy to be compared to future glory
Psalm 16:11 – Fullness of joy in God’s presence
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins

Song History

“Heaven Holds All to Me” was written and composed by Tillit S. Teddlie, a gospel preacher and hymn writer beloved among churches of Christ. His hymns emphasized doctrinal clarity, emotional depth, and simple beauty. “Heaven Holds All to Me” remains one of his most cherished compositions. First published in the mid-20th century, it has since been a favorite at funerals, worship assemblies, and gospel meetings. It speaks to the homesick heart and gives voice to a living hope. Through melody and message, Teddlie reminds us: the world may offer much, but for the Christian, heaven holds all.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

Library of church of Christ Sermons and Outlines
 

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

What Does the church of Christ Teach?

The church of Christ on Social Media

The Sermons, Sermon Outlines, Bulletin Articles and Bible Studies published in this website are from sound members of the church of Christ and are free to everyone.  We feel the price was paid when Jesus died on the cross.  Please feel free to use any of the content found within this website for the spreading of the Gospel to all.