No Tears in Heaven
A Sermon based on the
hymn by Robert S. Arnold
Introduction
“No Tears in Heaven” is a beloved gospel hymn that offers comfort, hope,
and a vivid reminder of the joy that awaits God’s faithful beyond this
life. Written by Robert S. Arnold, the song is rooted in the promise of
Revelation 21:4—“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” It
assures us that the heartaches, trials, and sorrows of this world are
temporary, but the reward of heaven is eternal. With each stanza, the
hymn beckons us to live with our eyes fixed on eternity, where suffering
ends and joy never fades.
This hymn is not just
about comfort; it’s a call to endurance. It reminds us that, although
this world brings pain, God has prepared a place of peace for those who
trust and obey. Heaven is not just a vague concept—it is a promised home
filled with rejoicing, fellowship, and the presence of God Himself.
Singing this song reminds us to stay faithful, to dry our tears in hope,
and to press on until the day we see our Lord face to face. Let us now
reflect on each stanza’s message of glory and encouragement.
Stanza 1 – No
tears in heaven, no sorrows given
“No tears in heaven, no sorrows given,
All will be glory in that land;
There’ll be no sadness, all will be gladness,
When we shall join that happy band.”
This stanza presents
the central message of the hymn: in heaven, pain and sorrow will be
replaced by eternal joy. The contrast between the hardships of earth and
the glory of heaven is drawn from Revelation 21:4 and Isaiah 25:8. In
that land, God wipes away tears, and death and mourning are no more. The
“happy band” evokes the redeemed, standing in unity and triumph (Hebrews
12:22–23). There, joy is not fleeting but everlasting (Psalm 16:11).
Stanza 2 –
Glory is waiting, waiting up yonder
“Glory is waiting, waiting up yonder,
Where we shall spend an endless day;
There with our Savior, we’ll be forever,
Where no more sorrow can dismay.”
This stanza
emphasizes the believer’s confident hope: eternal life with Jesus. John
14:2–3 reminds us that Jesus has prepared a place for us in His Father’s
house. In heaven, the trials that once overwhelmed us are powerless to
cause grief. This verse teaches us that our future is secure, and our
endurance now leads to eternal peace (Romans 8:18).
Stanza 3 – No
tears in heaven fair
“No tears (no tears, no tears up there),
Sorrow and pain will all have flown;
No tears (no tears, no tears up there),
No tears in heaven will be known.”
The refrain brings a
joyful repetition, reinforcing the promise: sorrow and pain will vanish
forever. Revelation 7:17 describes God wiping away every tear. This
assurance brings comfort amid the burdens of life. The repetition
reminds us that this is not wishful thinking—it is the guaranteed future
for the faithful (1 Thessalonians 4:17–18).
No Tears in
Heaven Sermon Outline:
Introduction
Stanza 1 – Joy
Replacing Sorrow
-
Revelation 21:4
– No more death, sorrow, crying, or pain
-
Isaiah 25:8 –
God wipes away tears and removes disgrace
-
Psalm 16:11 –
Fullness of joy in God’s presence
-
Hebrews 12:22–23
– Gathering with the redeemed
Stanza 2 –
Eternal Fellowship with Christ
-
John 14:2–3 –
Jesus prepares a place for us
-
Romans 8:18 –
Present sufferings not worth comparing to future glory
-
1 Peter 1:4 –
Inheritance reserved in heaven
Stanza 3 –
Everlasting Peace and Comfort
-
Revelation 7:17
– The Lamb will shepherd us; God wipes away tears
-
1 Thessalonians
4:17–18 – Encouragement in our reunion with Christ
-
2 Corinthians
4:17–18 – Fix eyes on the unseen, eternal
Call to Action
This world is filled with tears, but God has promised a land where tears
will never fall again. Let that hope give you courage. Let it strengthen
your faith. And most of all—let it move you to obey the gospel of
Christ. Eternal joy is waiting. Will you be ready?
Scripture
Reference List:
-
Revelation 21:4
– No more death or sorrow in heaven
-
Isaiah 25:8 –
God will wipe away tears and remove reproach
-
Psalm 16:11 –
Fullness of joy in God's presence
-
Hebrews 12:22–23
– Assembly of the redeemed in heaven
-
John 14:2–3 –
Jesus prepares a place for His people
-
Romans 8:18 –
Future glory outweighs present trials
-
1 Peter 1:4 –
Incorruptible inheritance in heaven
-
Revelation 7:17
– God will wipe away all tears
-
1 Thessalonians
4:17–18 – Hope and comfort in eternal reunion
-
2 Corinthians
4:17–18 – Focus on eternal things
Song History
“No Tears in Heaven” was written by Robert S. Arnold, a musician and
teacher who led singing schools and composed gospel music during the
early 20th century. It quickly became a favorite among churches of
Christ due to its hopeful theme and scriptural lyrics. Arnold’s message
of comfort has stood the test of time, continuing to lift hearts toward
heaven.
Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
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