Just Over in the Glory Land

A Sermon based on the hymn by James W. Acuff

Introduction

“Just Over in the Glory Land” is a jubilant hymn of anticipation, rejoicing in the Christian’s promised eternal home. Written by James W. Acuff in the early 20th century, it captures the hope of heaven with imagery drawn from Revelation and the words of Jesus. It points our hearts upward—beyond the trials of earth and into the presence of God and His angels.

Heaven is not a vague spiritual idea; it is a prepared place for a prepared people (John 14:2–3). The Bible teaches that those who are faithful to the Lord will receive a crown of life (Revelation 2:10) and be part of a great multitude singing praises to the Lamb (Revelation 7:9–10). This hymn reflects that longing and celebrates the joy of entering into glory.

The phrases “glory land,” “angel band,” and “walk the happy angel band” are not poetic fluff—they are rooted in the believer’s firm conviction that God keeps His promises. As we examine this hymn verse by verse, we are reminded that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and we must live each day with our eyes on that eternal home—just over in the glory land.

Stanza 1

“I’ve a home prepared where the saints abide,
Just over in the glory land;
And I long to be by my Savior’s side,
Just over in the glory land.”

Jesus promised His followers in John 14:2, “In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.” This stanza reflects that promise. The Christian does not wander aimlessly—we have a home prepared. Hebrews 11:10 speaks of Abraham looking “for a city whose builder and maker is God.” That’s the hope of the faithful: to dwell eternally with our Savior and the saints who have gone before.

Stanza 2

“I am on my way to those mansions fair,
Just over in the glory land;
There to sing God’s praise and His glory share,
Just over in the glory land.”

The Christian life is a journey—one filled with purpose. Philippians 3:14 says, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Heaven is not earned by merit, but reached through obedience and perseverance. Once there, the faithful will sing God’s praise, just as Revelation 5:13 depicts: “Blessing and honor… be to Him who sits on the throne.” That’s the eternal goal of every believer.

Stanza 3

“What a joyful thought that my Lord I’ll see,
Just over in the glory land;
And with kindred saved, there forever be,
Just over in the glory land.”

This stanza lifts our gaze to the joy of reunion—not only with the Lord, but with fellow Christians. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 says, “Thus we shall always be with the Lord.” The Bible calls this a “joyful thought” because we will be with those who “die in the Lord” (Revelation 14:13). It reminds us that heaven is not just about streets of gold—it’s about being together in Christ forever.

Stanza 4

“With the blood-washed throng I will shout and sing,
Just over in the glory land;
Glad hosannas to Christ the Lord and King,
Just over in the glory land.”

The final stanza points to worship in heaven. Revelation 7:14–15 speaks of those who “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” serving God day and night. This “blood-washed throng” is the church triumphant—those saved by the blood of Jesus (Revelation 1:5). Our response in glory will be eternal praise and adoration. We will shout and sing with joy unending.

Chorus

“Just over in the glory land,
I’ll join the happy angel band,
Just over in the glory land;
Just over in the glory land,
There with the mighty host I’ll stand,
Just over in the glory land.”

The chorus anchors the message with rhythmic repetition: heaven is near. It reminds us that we are not alone. The “angel band” and “mighty host” speak of the company of heaven (Hebrews 12:22–23). One day, the faithful will stand among them, triumphant in Christ, forever rejoicing in God’s presence.

Just Over in the Glory Land Sermon Outline:

Introduction

Author: James W. Acuff
Theme: Hope and joy of heaven
Key Verse: John 14:2 – “I go to prepare a place for you”

Stanza 1 – The Prepared Home and the Savior’s Presence

John 14:2–3 – Mansions in the Father’s house
Hebrews 11:10 – A city prepared by God
Philippians 1:23 – To be with Christ is far better

Stanza 2 – The Journey of Faith and Eternal Praise

Philippians 3:14 – Pressing toward the goal
Revelation 5:13 – All creation praises the Lamb
Romans 2:7 – Seeking eternal life through perseverance

Stanza 3 – Joyful Reunion with the Saved

1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Together forever with the Lord
Revelation 14:13 – Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord
John 11:25–26 – He who believes shall never die

Stanza 4 – Worship with the Redeemed

Revelation 7:14–15 – The blood-washed serve God
Revelation 1:5 – Washed from sin in His blood
Psalm 95:1–3 – Come, let us shout joyfully to the Lord

Chorus – The Hope of Heavenly Assembly

Hebrews 12:22–23 – The heavenly host
Revelation 19:6 – A great multitude praising God
Matthew 25:34 – Enter into the joy of the Lord

Call to Action

Are you on the road to that prepared place? Have you obeyed the gospel of Christ so that your name is written in heaven (Luke 10:20)? If not, believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of your sins (Acts 3:19), confess Him (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Then live daily with your eyes on glory. There’s a home just over in the glory land—are you ready?

Scripture Reference List

John 14:2–3 – Jesus prepares a place for us
Hebrews 11:10 – A city built by God
Philippians 1:23 – To depart and be with Christ
Philippians 3:14 – Pressing toward the heavenly goal
Revelation 5:13 – Praises to God and the Lamb
Romans 2:7 – Seeking glory and immortality
1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Together forever with the Lord
Revelation 14:13 – Blessed are the dead in the Lord
John 11:25–26 – Whoever believes shall never die
Revelation 7:14–15 – Blood-washed serve Him day and night
Revelation 1:5 – Jesus washed us from our sins
Psalm 95:1–3 – Sing joyfully to the Lord
Hebrews 12:22–23 – Innumerable company of angels
Revelation 19:6 – Great multitude praising God
Matthew 25:34 – Inherit the kingdom prepared
Luke 10:20 – Rejoice your names are written in heaven
John 8:24 – Believe or die in sin
Acts 3:19 – Repent and be converted
Romans 10:9–10 – Confess Jesus is Lord
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized

Song History

“Just Over in the Glory Land” was written by James W. Acuff and published in the early 1900s. It quickly became a favorite among churches of Christ and other Christian groups for its vibrant imagery and joyful melody. The song is often used during gospel meetings and funerals, emphasizing the reality and nearness of heaven. Its energetic tempo and faith-filled lyrics continue to encourage believers to look beyond life’s hardships and long for that land just over the horizon—just over in the glory land.

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