The New Song
A Sermon based on
the Hymn by L.O. Sanderson
Introduction:
“The New Song” is a triumphant hymn that draws its message directly from
Revelation 14:3 and Revelation 5:9, where the redeemed sing a new song
before the throne of God. It celebrates the victory of salvation, the
joy of deliverance, and the eternal praise of those washed in the blood
of the Lamb. It reminds us that the Christian life leads to a heavenly
chorus no one else can learn—only those who follow the Lamb wherever He
goes. This song belongs to the saved. Are you preparing to sing it?
Stanza 1: “With
harps and with vials, there stand a great throng…”
This scene reflects the worship in heaven described in Revelation 5:8–9.
Harps represent joyful music; vials (or bowls) are full of the prayers
of saints. Together they accompany a multitude singing of redemption.
This stanza reminds us that our worship on earth is a foretaste of the
heavenly gathering—where the saved praise the Lamb who was slain.
Stanza 2: “And
they sing the new song of Moses and the Lamb…”
This stanza bridges the Old and New Testaments. The “song of Moses”
(Exodus 15) was sung after Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, and the
“song of the Lamb” celebrates spiritual deliverance through Christ.
Revelation 15:3 brings these two together, showing that
redemption—whether from slavery or sin—is always the work of God.
Stanza 3: “And
they sing the new song with voices so strong…”
The strength of their voices reflects their certainty, joy, and unity.
This is no quiet whisper but a bold chorus of victory. Revelation 19:1
speaks of a “great multitude” in heaven shouting, “Alleluia! Salvation
and glory and honor belong to the Lord our God!” We too are called to
lift our voices in worship here below, anticipating that day.
Stanza 4: “And
the angels all listen, for they cannot sing…”
What a powerful contrast: angels, who worship God continually, cannot
sing this new song. It is a melody of redemption—one only the saved can
sing (1 Peter 1:12). Angels marvel at our salvation, but they cannot
taste it. This privilege belongs to those washed in the blood of the
Lamb.
The New Song
Sermon Outline:
Stanza 1 –
Heavenly Worship Around the Throne
-
Revelation 5:8–9
– Harps, vials, and the new song
-
Psalm 141:2 –
Prayers as incense
-
Hebrews 12:22–23
– The assembly in heaven
Stanza 2 – The
Song of Deliverance
-
Exodus 15:1–18 –
Song of Moses
-
Revelation 15:3
– Song of Moses and the Lamb
-
John 1:29 –
Behold the Lamb of God
Stanza 3 – Bold
and Joyful Praise
-
Revelation 19:1
– A loud voice of praise
-
Psalm 100:1–2 –
Make a joyful noise
-
Colossians 3:16
– Singing with grace in our hearts
Stanza 4 – A
Song Angels Cannot Sing
-
1 Peter 1:12 –
Angels desire to look into salvation
-
Revelation 14:3
– No man could learn that song but the redeemed
-
Titus 2:14 –
Redeemed from lawlessness
Call to Action:
Are you preparing to sing the new song? That melody belongs only to
those redeemed by Christ—those who have obeyed His gospel and walk in
His ways. If you’ve never obeyed the Lord, do so today: believe (Mark
16:16), repent (Acts 2:38), confess His name (Romans 10:9–10), and be
baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 22:16). Then live faithfully,
so that one day, you can lift your voice in the eternal chorus of
heaven.
Scripture
Reference List:
Revelation 5:8–9 – Harps, vials, and the song of redemption
Psalm 141:2 – Prayers like incense
Hebrews 12:22–23 – Worship among the heavenly host
Exodus 15:1–18 – Song of Moses
Revelation 15:3 – Song of Moses and the Lamb
John 1:29 – Behold the Lamb of God
Revelation 19:1 – Great multitude praising God
Psalm 100:1–2 – Joyful service and praise
Colossians 3:16 – Singing with grace
1 Peter 1:12 – Angels long to understand salvation
Revelation 14:3 – Only the redeemed can sing
Titus 2:14 – Redeemed by Christ
Mark 16:16 – Believe and be baptized
Acts 2:38 – Repentance and baptism
Romans 10:9–10 – Confession of Christ
Acts 22:16 – Be baptized and wash away sins
Song Author
Credit:
“The New Song” was composed by L.O. Sanderson, a prolific hymn writer
and composer within the churches of Christ. His work blends scriptural
accuracy with rich melody, and this hymn has long stood as a favorite
among congregations that cherish biblical themes of worship and
redemption.
Song History:
First published in the mid-20th century, “The New Song” draws heavily
from Revelation’s apocalyptic vision and ties the imagery of heavenly
worship to the Christian hope. The song has become a powerful reminder
that salvation is worth celebrating—and that the song we sing here is a
rehearsal for the one to come.
Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
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