When the Roll Is Called Up
Yonder
A Sermon based on
the Hymn by James M. Black
Introduction:
“When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” is one of the most stirring hymns of
eternal hope ever written. Penned by James M. Black in 1893, this song
reflects the biblical promise that one day, a great roll call will be
made in heaven. Revelation 20:12 speaks of books being opened and names
being read—names of those who belong to the Lord. The hymn is both
uplifting and sobering. It celebrates the assurance of heaven for the
faithful, but also quietly challenges each soul with the question:
Will your
name be there?
This song is not
just about the end of time—it’s about how we live now in preparation for
that day. It calls us to diligence, faith, obedience, and watchfulness.
Its melody uplifts, but its message cuts to the heart. Will you be ready
when your name is called? Will you be among the redeemed who rise to
meet the Lord? This hymn reminds us that while the roll will indeed be
called, it is the faithful and obedient who will be called
up yonder.
Let’s walk through
this powerful hymn and renew our resolve to be ready when that great day
comes.
Stanza 1: “When
the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more...”
The opening line takes us straight to the end of the world—the day when
Jesus returns. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 says, “For the Lord Himself will
descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and
with the trumpet of God.” That trumpet will not signal another chance—it
will signal the end of chances. Time will be no more.
This is not a vague
hope—it’s a certainty. Hebrews 9:27 declares that “it is appointed for
men to die once, but after this the judgment.” On that morning, the dead
in Christ will rise, and the faithful will be gathered home. Those whose
names are in the Book of Life will be ushered into eternal joy
(Revelation 20:12, 15). This stanza sets the tone: the roll
will be called—will we be
ready?
Stanza 2: “On
that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise...”
This stanza echoes 1 Corinthians 15:52—“In a moment, in the twinkling of
an eye... the dead will be raised incorruptible.” Those who died in
faith will rise first, and we who are alive will be caught up with them
to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). It will be a
bright and cloudless morning
for the righteous—not because the sun is shining, but because the Son is
returning.
This is a comforting
image for believers, but it is also a call to be found faithful. The
resurrection is not a fantasy; it is a promise. But only those who are
“in Christ” will rise to life eternal. The rest will rise to judgment
(John 5:28–29). Let this stanza remind us to live so that, if our name
is called that day, we will rise in glory—not in fear.
Stanza 3: “Let
us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun...”
This stanza shifts our focus from the future to the present. Since that
day is coming, what should we do now? We must labor for the Lord. 1
Corinthians 15:58 exhorts, “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in
the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain.” Salvation
is by grace, but faith without works is dead (James 2:26).
From “dawn till
setting sun” speaks to a lifetime of devotion. Christianity is not a
moment—it’s a mission. We must labor with urgency and love, knowing that
our efforts may influence someone else’s name being on that roll too.
When the day ends, will the Lord find us working? Or will He find us
idle, distracted, or lukewarm?
Chorus: “When
the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there...”
The chorus is the joyful affirmation of the faithful soul. It is both
declaration and desire. It expresses confidence, not in self, but in the
promises of God. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7–8, “I have fought the good
fight, I have finished the race... and there is laid up for me a crown
of righteousness.” That’s the spirit of this chorus.
But let us not sing
it lightly. To say “I’ll be there” must mean we are living like it. That
our hearts are faithful, our sins forgiven, and our lives surrendered.
The chorus is the soul’s “Yes, Lord”—I’ll be ready, I’ll be yours, I’ll
be there.
When the Roll
Is Called Up Yonder Sermon Outline:
Stanza
1: The Trumpet and the End of Time
-
Christ’s return
with trumpet sound: 1 Thessalonians 4:16
-
The finality of
time: Hebrews 9:27
-
Names written in
the Book of Life: Revelation 20:12, 15
Stanza 2: The
Resurrection of the Righteous
-
The dead in
Christ shall rise: 1 Corinthians 15:52
-
Joyful reunion
in the air: 1 Thessalonians 4:17
-
Resurrection to
life or judgment: John 5:28–29
Stanza 3:
Laboring for the Master
-
Lifelong service
to the Lord: 1 Corinthians 15:58
-
Faith must be
active: James 2:26
-
Working with
urgency and devotion
Chorus: The
Hope of the Faithful
-
Joyful assurance
of salvation: 2 Timothy 4:7–8
-
Not wishful
thinking, but obedient confidence
-
Daily living
that matches eternal hope
Call to Action:
Will you be there when the roll is called? That question cannot be
answered with a song—it must be answered with your life. Have you obeyed
the gospel of Christ? Have you repented, confessed His name, and been
baptized for the forgiveness of sins? Are you laboring for the Master
with all your heart? Don’t wait for the trumpet to start preparing. When
that day comes, there will be no time left. Live now so that, on that
bright and cloudless morning, you can rise and say with confidence:
I’ll be
there.
Scripture
Reference List:
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – The Lord will descend, the dead in Christ will
rise
Hebrews 9:27 – It is appointed unto men to die once, then the judgment
Revelation 20:12, 15 – The Book of Life and the final judgment
1 Corinthians 15:52 – The dead raised in the twinkling of an eye
John 5:28–29 – Resurrection of life and resurrection of condemnation
1 Corinthians 15:58 – Labor in the Lord is not in vain
James 2:26 – Faith without works is dead
2 Timothy 4:7–8 – Crown of righteousness for the faithful
Song Author
Credit:
This hymn was written by James
M. Black (1856–1938), a Methodist gospel songwriter and music
teacher. The inspiration came when a student missed class roll call,
prompting Black to think of the heavenly roll that will one day be
called. The hymn was published in 1893 and quickly gained popularity.
Song History:
“When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” became a staple of American revival
music and a beloved hymn among churches of Christ. Its message of
judgment, resurrection, and hope resonated with Christians seeking to be
ready for the Lord’s return. Its steady, marching rhythm mirrors the
certainty of that coming day—and the joy of being found faithful.
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
