There Is a Habitation

A Sermon based on the hymn by Love H. Jameson

Introduction

“There Is a Habitation” is a beloved hymn penned by Love H. Jameson, a preacher and hymnwriter associated with the Restoration Movement. It points our hearts toward the eternal home God has prepared for His people—a city “built by the living God.” This hymn draws heavily from biblical imagery found in Hebrews 11, Revelation 21, and John 14. Its majestic lyrics stir hope, joy, and longing in the soul of every Christian.

This hymn is not a song of escapism—it is a declaration of faith in God's promise. For those burdened by the weight of this world, it offers the comfort of something far better. Jameson doesn’t merely describe heaven; he leads the worshiper through a series of contrasts: a habitation versus a tent, a city divine versus cities of men, peace versus sorrow, permanence versus passing. Each stanza builds anticipation for the final reward—eternal dwelling with God. The refrain resounds as a personal vow: “I long thy gates to see.” Every believer can echo this cry. As we sing this hymn, we remember that we are strangers and pilgrims on the earth, seeking a better country, that is, a heavenly one. This world is not our home—but heaven is.

Stanza 1

“There is a habitation, built by the living God,
For all of every nation, who seek that grand abode.”

This stanza begins with the certainty that heaven is real—built by God Himself (Hebrews 11:10). It is not a man-made fantasy, but a divine reality. The phrase “for all of every nation” reflects the universal call of the gospel (Revelation 7:9). Heaven is offered to all who obey the Lord, regardless of race, status, or background. The “grand abode” is the eternal home that Jesus promised in John 14:2, when He said, “I go to prepare a place for you.”

Stanza 2

“A city with foundations, firm as the eternal throne,
Nor wars, nor desolations shall ever move a stone.”

The image of a city with “foundations” draws from Hebrews 11:10, where Abraham looked for “a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” This city will never be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). Unlike earthly cities plagued by war, decay, or destruction, this eternal city is untouchable by time and untouched by violence. Isaiah 2:4 reminds us of a time when God’s peace reigns and swords are beaten into plowshares. No desolation will ever breach this refuge.

Stanza 3

“No night is there, no sorrow, no death and no decay;
No yesterday, no morrow—but one eternal day.”

This stanza paints a vivid portrait of heaven's perfection. It directly echoes Revelation 21:4—“There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying.” Revelation 22:5 adds, “There shall be no night there.” Heaven is not subject to the weariness of time, nor the pain of grief. The idea of “one eternal day” communicates the unbroken joy and light of God’s presence. We will no longer live by clocks or calendars—we will live in the fullness of God's glory.

Stanza 4

“Within its pearly portals, angelic armies sing
With glorified immortals, the praises of its King.”

Now the focus shifts to what happens inside heaven: worship. The “pearly portals” recall Revelation 21:21, where the gates of heaven are made of pearl. Inside, angels and the redeemed sing together (Revelation 5:11–13). The church triumphant gathers to praise the Lamb who was slain. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 promises that we shall “ever be with the Lord.” And we will not be alone—we will join the hosts of heaven in eternal praise.

Chorus

“O Zion, Zion, I long thy gates to see;
O Zion, Zion, when shall I dwell in thee?”

The chorus expresses the soul’s longing for heaven. “Zion” was the term used in Scripture to describe the dwelling place of God, whether earthly (Jerusalem) or heavenly (the church triumphant). The psalmist wrote, “Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion” (Psalm 48:2). Christians today join in that longing. Philippians 3:20 reminds us: “Our citizenship is in heaven.” This chorus is not only poetic—it is deeply personal. When shall we dwell in Zion? At death, or when Christ returns. Let us be ready.

There Is a Habitation Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Written by Love H. Jameson

• Focus: longing for the eternal city of God

• Biblical roots in Hebrews 11, Revelation 21, John 14

Stanza 1 – God’s Universal Home

• Hebrews 11:10 – A city built by God

• Revelation 7:9 – For all nations

• John 14:2 – “I go to prepare a place for you”

Stanza 2 – Unshakeable and Eternal

• Hebrews 12:28 – A kingdom that cannot be shaken

• Isaiah 2:4 – Peace with no more war

• Foundations represent stability and permanence

Stanza 3 – No More Night or Sorrow

• Revelation 21:4 – No death, sorrow, or pain

• Revelation 22:5 – No night, only God’s light

• One eternal day signifies joy without end

Stanza 4 – Eternal Worship with the Redeemed

• Revelation 21:21 – Pearly gates

• Revelation 5:11–13 – Worship by angels and the redeemed

• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Always with the Lord

Chorus – The Longing for Zion

• Psalm 48:2 – Mount Zion, the joy of the earth

• Philippians 3:20 – Our citizenship is in heaven

• Expresses hope and readiness for eternity

Call to Action

Do you long for Zion? If your heart yearns for heaven, make sure your life is aligned with God’s will. Heaven is prepared for a prepared people. If you have not obeyed the gospel, repent, confess Christ, and be baptized into His body (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4). If you’re already in Christ, keep your eyes on that city. Let every action you take on earth reflect your destination. Zion awaits.

Scripture Reference List

Hebrews 11:10 – A city with foundations built by God
Revelation 7:9 – All nations before the throne
John 14:2 – Jesus prepares a place for us
Hebrews 12:28 – We receive a kingdom that cannot be moved
Isaiah 2:4 – Swords turned to plowshares; no war
Revelation 21:4 – No more death, sorrow, or crying
Revelation 22:5 – No night in heaven
Revelation 5:11–13 – Angels and saints praise the Lamb
1 Thessalonians 4:17 – We shall be with the Lord forever
Psalm 48:2 – Zion is the joy of the whole earth
Philippians 3:20 – Our citizenship is in heaven
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized for remission of sins
Romans 6:3–4 – Baptism unites us with Christ in His resurrection

Song History

Love H. Jameson (1811–1892), a gospel preacher and teacher, wrote “There Is a Habitation” as a poetic reflection of the Christian’s eternal hope. First published in the 19th century, the song has remained a favorite in churches of Christ. Its scriptural foundation, vivid imagery, and heartfelt longing continue to make it a powerful hymn of praise and anticipation.

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