On Zion's Glorious Summit Stood

Songbook Hymn Sermons

On Zion’s Glorious Summit Stood

A Sermon based on the Hymn by John Kent

Introduction:
“On Zion’s Glorious Summit Stood” is a hymn that captures the majesty, unity, and eternal joy of the redeemed gathered before God. Written by John Kent, a faithful hymn writer of the 18th–19th century known for his doctrinal clarity, this song brings to life the vision found in Revelation 14 and Hebrews 12—the gathering of saints on the heavenly Zion, singing in perfect harmony with the Lamb of God.

Unlike songs that dwell on earthly struggles, this hymn lifts our minds beyond the veil of tears to the eternal reward for the faithful. It reminds us that there is a place prepared, a home of unspeakable joy, where those redeemed by the blood of Christ will dwell forever. In vivid poetic language, we hear of “seraphs bright” and “everlasting lays,” and we envision the beauty and purity of those clothed in spotless white.

But this song is not merely for future hope—it is a present challenge. The question that rings in the mind of every sincere Christian is this: Will I be among that number? Am I walking in the light? Am I part of the faithful throng who will stand on Zion’s summit with harps of gold and voices raised in praise?

Let this hymn not only stir your imagination but awaken your soul. Let it remind you of the holy calling you have received, and the glorious summit that awaits all who are obedient to the Lamb.

Stanza 1: “On Zion’s glorious summit stood a numerous host redeemed by blood...”
The hymn opens with a powerful image of the redeemed standing in triumph on the summit of Zion. This is not earthly Jerusalem, but the heavenly Zion spoken of in Hebrews 12:22–24, where the church of the firstborn is gathered before God. These saints are a “numerous host,” fulfilling the vision of Revelation 7:9—a great multitude from every nation, washed clean by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14).

Their place on Zion’s summit is not earned by their own strength, but granted by the mercy and grace of God through Christ’s sacrifice (1 Peter 1:18–19). They are united by one thing: they have been redeemed—bought back from sin—by the blood of Jesus.

This is a call to us today. If we hope to stand on Zion’s summit, we too must be redeemed. That redemption comes not through heritage or works, but through obedient faith in Christ’s blood.

Stanza 2: “They sang in strong and sweet accord the song of Moses and the Lamb.”
Now we hear their song—sung in unity, with one heart and voice. The “song of Moses and the Lamb” is found in Revelation 15:3. Moses' song was one of victory over Egypt (Exodus 15); the Lamb’s song is of eternal victory over sin and death.

Together, they represent God’s unchanging power to save—first from physical bondage, now from spiritual ruin. The saints sing in “strong and sweet accord,” echoing John 17:21, where Jesus prayed for unity among all who believe in Him. Their voices are unified because their hearts are unified—in Christ.

This is the music of heaven, and we must begin rehearsing that harmony now. A divided church cannot hope to sing in sweet accord around God’s throne.

Stanza 3: “And thus around the throne they sing, while heaven’s arches loud resound...”
This stanza takes us into the eternal throne room. The redeemed are not onlookers—they are worshippers, singing joyfully around the throne of God. Their song reverberates through heaven’s arches. Like the vision in Revelation 5:11–13, their praise joins with angels, elders, and every creature.

Their worship is not stale or silent—it is loud, joyful, and full of meaning. Psalm 100:1–2 commands, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord… come before His presence with singing.” Worship is the natural response of those who have been saved.

If heaven will be filled with unending praise, our lives now should echo that same devotion and joy.

Chorus: “Holy, holy, holy Lord! God of hosts, on high adored!”
The chorus reflects the eternal cry of heaven itself—Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8 record this triple declaration of God’s holiness. To call God “holy” three times emphasizes His complete otherness, purity, and perfection. This is the essence of heaven’s praise.

When we sing this chorus, we join the seraphim and all the heavenly beings in honoring the character of God. This chorus is not about us—it is about Him. And only those who pursue holiness now will feel at home in a place where holiness is shouted without end (1 Peter 1:15–16).

On Zion’s Glorious Summit Stood Sermon Outline:
Stanza 1: The Redeemed Gathered on Zion

• Zion as heavenly Jerusalem: Hebrews 12:22–24

• The “numerous host”: Revelation 7:9

• Redeemed by the blood: Revelation 7:14; 1 Peter 1:18–19

Stanza 2: Singing the Song of Moses and the Lamb

• Unity in worship: John 17:21

• Song of Moses: Exodus 15 (deliverance from Egypt)

• Song of the Lamb: Revelation 15:3 (victory over sin and death)

Stanza 3: Worship Around the Throne

• The throne scene of heaven: Revelation 5:11–13

• Heaven’s praise is loud and joyful: Psalm 100:1–2

• Worship as a lifestyle of the saved

Chorus: The Holiness of God

• Triple holiness: Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8

• God adored by all heavenly hosts

• Called to be holy: 1 Peter 1:15–16

Call to Action:
This hymn is not just a song—it’s a vision of eternity. But not everyone will stand on Zion’s summit. Only those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb, who live in unity with God’s people, and who long to worship Him in holiness will be found there. Have you obeyed the gospel of Christ? Have you been baptized into His death and raised to walk in newness of life? Let your life today be a preview of the praise you hope to sing forever. Be holy. Be faithful. Be ready for Zion’s glorious summit.

Scripture Reference List:
Hebrews 12:22–24 – Zion as the heavenly Jerusalem
Revelation 7:9 – A great multitude from every nation
Revelation 7:14 – Robes washed in the blood of the Lamb
1 Peter 1:18–19 – Redeemed with the blood of Christ
Revelation 15:3 – The song of Moses and the Lamb
John 17:21 – Christ’s prayer for unity
Exodus 15:1 – Moses’ song of victory
Revelation 5:11–13 – Worship around the throne
Psalm 100:1–2 – Joyful noise and singing to the Lord
Isaiah 6:3 – The cry of “Holy, holy, holy”
Revelation 4:8 – Worship by the four living creatures
1 Peter 1:15–16 – “Be holy, for I am holy”

Song Author Credit:
This hymn was written by John Kent (1766–1843), a self-taught British hymn writer known for his doctrinally rich compositions. Though he had no formal theological training, his hymns—rooted in scripture—have endured for generations. “On Zion’s Glorious Summit Stood” remains one of his most biblically vivid and spiritually stirring works.

Song History:
Originally composed in the early 1800s, “On Zion’s Glorious Summit Stood” was written by John Kent and published in a hymnbook used by various English congregations. The hymn was later adapted for use in the churches of Christ, removing denominational language while preserving its scriptural message. Its vision of heaven, drawn from Revelation and Hebrews, has made it a favorite among those who long for eternal fellowship with God and His saints.

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

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