How Beautiful Heaven Must Be

Songbook Hymn Sermons

How Beautiful Heaven Must Be

A Sermon based on the Hymn by A.P. Bland

Introduction:
“How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” stirs our hearts with longing for the Christian’s eternal home. The hymn paints a portrait of heaven as a place free from sorrow, filled with joy, and prepared by the Lord Himself. Rooted in scripture, it reminds us that this world is not our final dwelling. Heaven is real, radiant, and reserved for the faithful. In moments of hardship and weariness, this song offers peace and hope, urging us to keep pressing forward with eyes set on the eternal glory that awaits.

Stanza 1: “We read of a place that’s called heaven, it’s made for the pure and the free”
The Bible speaks often of heaven—a real place prepared by Jesus for those who obey Him (John 14:2–3). Revelation 21:27 reminds us that “nothing unclean will ever enter it,” for heaven is made for the pure. Purity through Christ’s blood is the only passport to this home. It is not for the rebellious or unbelieving, but for those redeemed, sanctified, and faithful.

Stanza 2: “Fair haven of rest for the weary, how beautiful heaven must be”
Heaven is a place of rest—eternal rest from pain, trial, and sin. Revelation 14:13 says, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord…they may rest from their labors.” The faithful may be weary now, but rest is coming. Hebrews 4:9 affirms, “There remains a rest for the people of God.” The beauty of heaven lies not only in its scenery but in the peace and release it offers.

Stanza 3: “In heaven no drooping nor pining, no wishing for elsewhere to be”
This world brings sorrow, sickness, disappointment, and longing for something better. But not so in heaven. Isaiah 35:10 says the ransomed will come to Zion with everlasting joy, and “sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” In heaven, there is no regret or unfulfilled desire—only perfect joy in God's presence.

Stanza 4: “The angels so sweetly are singing, up there by the beautiful sea”
This final stanza draws imagery from Revelation 5:11–12, where the angels around the throne sing praises to the Lamb. The scene is majestic and reverent, with songs of victory filling the atmosphere. Our eternal worship in heaven will be unhindered by sin or weakness—pure, joyful, and forever.

How Beautiful Heaven Must Be Sermon Outline:

Stanza 1 – The Home for the Pure and the Free

• John 14:2–3 – Jesus prepares a place

• Revelation 21:27 – Only the pure enter

• 1 Peter 1:4 – An inheritance incorruptible and undefiled

Stanza 2 – A Place of Eternal Rest

• Revelation 14:13 – Rest from labors

• Hebrews 4:9 – A rest for God’s people

• Matthew 11:28 – Rest for the weary

Stanza 3 – No Sorrow, Only Joy

• Isaiah 35:10 – Sorrow and sighing flee

• Revelation 21:4 – No more death or pain

• Psalm 16:11 – Fullness of joy in God’s presence

Stanza 4 – Everlasting Praise Among Angels

• Revelation 5:11–12 – Angels singing around the throne

• Revelation 15:3 – Singing the song of the Lamb

• Hebrews 12:22 – Myriads of angels in festal gathering

Call to Action:
Are you prepared to enter the place described in this hymn? Heaven is real—and so is hell. The beauty of heaven is reserved for the faithful. Obey the gospel today: believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sin (Luke 13:3), confess Christ (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized (Acts 2:38). Then walk faithfully, for heaven awaits those who endure to the end.

Scripture Reference List:
John 14:2–3 – Jesus prepares our eternal home
Revelation 21:27 – Only the pure may enter
1 Peter 1:4 – Our undefiled inheritance
Revelation 14:13 – Rest for the faithful dead
Hebrews 4:9 – A rest for the people of God
Matthew 11:28 – Christ offers rest to the weary
Isaiah 35:10 – Joy in the presence of God
Revelation 21:4 – No more pain, sorrow, or death
Psalm 16:11 – Eternal joy with God
Revelation 5:11–12 – Angels praising the Lamb
Revelation 15:3 – Song of Moses and the Lamb
Hebrews 12:22 – Thousands of angels in worship
John 8:24 – Believe in Jesus to avoid sin's consequence
Luke 13:3 – Repent or perish
Romans 10:9–10 – Confess Christ unto salvation
Acts 2:38 – Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

Song Author Credit:
A.P. Bland wrote the lyrics to “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be,” and the music was composed by Mrs. A.S. Bridgewater. Their collaboration brought forth a hymn that continues to comfort and inspire generations with the promise of heaven.

Song History:
Published in the early 1900s, “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” quickly gained popularity for its hopeful melody and heartfelt message. It remains a favorite at funerals and worship services alike, reminding believers to lift their eyes beyond this world to the glorious home prepared by God.

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

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